I groan. “I adore you, but can we skip tutoring today? He’s making me go to all my classes today.” I’m aware I’m whining.
“Yes, I am.”
“He’s such a bad influence.”
Casey laughs. “What would you be doing instead?”
“I dunno. Something interesting.”
It’s a good question. Before meeting Emory and Casey, I’d probably have slacked off and planned a party. Or I’d have been too hung over from a party to care about making lectures. I’ve got a dozen texts on my phone asking me when I’m throwing another party. At least half of those messages are from Grant, but the rest are from an assortment of people I must have given my number to at some point or other. None of them are friends. None of them have asked how I am. They want to party, and my house is party central.
“Like?” Casey asks.
“Watching something on TV. Playing video games.”
“What kind of games do you like?” Emory asks.
“First-person shooters, mostly. Sometimes I’ll get stuck into an RPG, but I hardly ever finish them.”
“Why?”
“No staying power.”
“I love RPGs,” Emory says.
It doesn’t surprise me.
“Getting lost in another world for hours on end is fun.”
“Do you read fantasy?” I ask.
“Yes. And science fiction.”
“But he watches American teen films,” Casey says.
Emory spreads his fingers. “But they’re so good.”
“If you like stereotypes,” I say.
“That’s what I like about them. They’re predictable and fun. We should have a movie night.”
“You and Auggie?” Casey asks.
“All three of us. What about Friday after you’ve finished swimming? You don’t have to get up early on Saturday. I can show you all of my favourite films.”
Casey pulls a face. “I’m not going to be able to watch that many before I fall asleep. Friday is a double swimming day.”
“How many favourite films do you have?” I ask Emory.
“Lots,” Casey replies in a weary voice that suggests he’s watched them all. Several times.
“How about I show you my absolute favourite?” Emory clenches his hands beneath his chin.
“Oh, my god. I didn’t realise you were so good at wrapping people around your finger,” I say.
“Auggie, meet Em. He’s irresistible and always gets his way,” Casey says.
Emory pouts. “I do not.”
