“Scout drinks that shit. I’ve tried it. It’s not minty.”
“The fuck it ain’t. I almost had a fuckin’ attack of the vapors, okay?”
“A what?”
“Attack of the vapors? Can’t breathe? Gotta use the fuckin’ puff puff thing. Come on. My old man’s meds used to set it off somethin’ fuckin’ awful, and—”
“Can you get me another drink?” Noah spoke up, wiggling his empty glass at Junior.
“Huh?”
Noah wiggled the glass harder.
“How’s ‘bout I take that fuckin’ glass and shoves it right—”
“Hey, guys!” Landon suddenly greeted them, popping up like one of those stupid targets in a carnival game.
“Fuck!” Noah jumped.
“What the fuckin’ fuck, yous fuckin’ ninja motherfucker!” Junior scowled. “Wanna know how’s yous get shot? That’s how yous get shot!”
Crybaby did not appear affected. “Hi, Landon.”
“Hi!” Landon smiled. “How is everybody? You feeling better today, Noah?”
“I’m great.” Noah grimaced. “Other than the fuckin’ heart attack, yeah, great.”
“Oh. Sorry!” Landon grinned sheepishly. “I just, uh, wanted to make sure you were okay. I was really worried about you.”
“Thanks. I’m fine.”
“Do you, uh, need a drink?” Landon gestured to Noah’s empty glass.
“Sure, that would be…” Noah spotted Frida heading over to the bar with a tray loaded up with fresh fruit. She was definitely struggling. He jumped up. “No, I’m good. I’m gonna go get it.”
“What?” Landon blinked.
“Huh?” Junior was equally surprised.
“I’m fuckin’ thirsty.” Noah made a beeline for Frida, and Crybaby and Junior were right behind him. He caught up to Frida, catching the tray just as it started to tip over. “Whoa, hey!”
Frida’s eyes widened, and she made a small sound of what might have been terror.
“Here. Let me?” Noah gave her a charming smile and gingerly took the tray. “You’re going to the bar, right?”
Frida stared.
“Let me help you?”
Frida immediately turned and scurried back toward the house.
Fuck.
Landon was there with them now, asking breathlessly, “What’s going on?”
“Fuckin’ nothing.” Noah shoved the tray of fruit at him. “Take this to the bar and get me a fuckin’ drink. I’m going to sit down.” Teeth gritted, he stalked back to his chair.
Junior went with a very upset Landon to the bar, and Crybaby followed Noah.
