And the worst part? I can’t even drink any mimosas because I’m driving. Well, I could drink, and Carson can drive since he doesn’t drink. Still, I need the car for school more than he does, and I don’t want to wake up hungover tomorrow.
“Should I do a proper send-off, since you’re headed to your doom?”
I playfully roll my eyes at him exiting my room and swatting his chest—his really firm chest. “You’re hilarious, Movie Star.”
“He tries,” Vinny teases.
“Try to have fun, Carl!” Ali calls out from the kitchen.
I smile and nod, knowing damn well that I probably won’t, but who knows? Maybe something good might happen—who am I kidding?
“See you later?”
I nod and open the front door, but when he places his hand on my shoulder, I am still at the unexpected motion. Crew leans closer, and I get a whiff of his woodsy scent, like the palm trees.
“You can get through it,” he whispers into my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “Just don’t think too much about it.”
Shivers that stay with me as I nod and head towards my car.
Don’t think too much? When it comes to me, that’s easier said than done.
13
Just Listened
Crew
The three of us spent about an hour and a half playing Uno, and I’m quietly enjoying it. None of my enjoyment has anything to do with the people—even though I like spending time with them on occasion—but the fact that we’re playing a game of Uno with classical music in the background.
It was Vinny’s idea to play classical music, claiming that it raises the stakes. I just think it’s hilarious as fuck.
“Uno!” I shout, causing Ali and Vinny to groan.
“Are you kidding me?” Ali complains. “Fourth game and you’re about to win for the third time.”
“Blame his stupid poker face,” Vinny adds. “We can’t figure out what card he’s holding.”
This is also the fourth time he and Ali have teamed up against me. We’re using Carly’s cards to play, even though she’s not here. I felt a little guilty at first because she didn’t permit us, but Ali assured me that she wouldn’t care.
I keep my wild card close to me, and my face as stoic as possible.
Vinny knows this is a losing game at this point, but he still places a blue eight down. Ali follows that up with a red eight, staring at me intently as if she’s trying to read what card I’m holding.
For once, I don’t feel any chills. No nerves or butterflies. Just focused on winning. As the music swells up, I place my wild card on the top of the deck.
“I quit,” Vinny announces, causing Ali to laugh.
Just then, the front door opens and Carly steps inside, partially confused at the setup. “What’s going on?”
Here comes the nerves…
Ali holds up the stack of cards. “Uno.”
Carly nods. “Who’s winning?”
“Crew,” Vinny grumbles, pausing the music. He’s extremely competitive. “I’ve only won one game. Out of four!”
“He shows no mercy,” Ali laughs.
