“Oh, Turbo? Some guys from the team are gonna be there,” I say, and Nick’s head perks up.
“That might be nice,” he starts, before faltering. “We’d only go if you’reactuallyokay with it.”
I offer a smile that’s stronger than my drink. “I am, alright? I’ll go as far astellingyou guys to go.”
“Alright. Get home safe, okay?” Nick says, sighing. He turns to Laura and Sabrina, who shrug and nod.
What is it about me and signing off on my own exclusion?
Well, not everything is about me, and I shouldn’t be the one to keep my friends in.
Leaning over, Sabrina wraps me in a hug. “We’re still on for hangover brunch though?”
I reply with a grin, “Definitely.”
Hangover brunch started when those three crashed in my dorm after a wild night around a year ago. I brought back a massive spread for their hungover asses, and a tradition was born. I bring the food, Sabrina brings mimosa ingredients, and Laura brings Sabrina, who might not ever leave the bed if it wasn’t for her girlfriend.
“Nick, are you coming tomorrow?” I ask.
He lets out a snort. “Man, I love you, but I'm not dragging my ass out of the house before noon.” He’s only made it to two brunches, and nobody blames him. He’s a tired boy whose internal clock is constantly set to China time.
Nick slams another shot while Sabrina and Laura put their jackets on, and we head downstairs. Turbo is in the other direction from my house, so I say bye again before we part ways.
And then I’m alone. Campus is almost deserted, and the faint sounds from ongoing frat parties float through the air. As far as Friday nights go, it’s an early one for me, given that it’s barely past eleven.
Maybe I should bite the bullet and get a fake ID.
While I would have liked to hang out a bit longer, at least I won’t be hungover tomorrow. Even if that defeats the point of hangover brunch with Sabrina and Laura. Then again, I'll be conscious enough to make pancakes instead of throwing in the towel and ordering in. Pancakes are always a hit with those two.
The already-quiet sounds coming from campus fade even further with every step I take, and by the time I get to the West Library, I’m accompanied by my footsteps.
I stop, leaning against a tree. The alcohol from earlier is wearing off. It’s still keeping me toasty, and I have a pleasant buzz going?—
“Hey, Ian?”
I spin around, recognizing that voice. It’s Callum, and I can't stop a grin from materializing. Catching myself, I mold my expression into something more socially acceptable.
“Yo, what’s up?” I ask.
“Nothing. I just finished my shift. Didn’t think I’d run into you, but I thought I’d say hi or something.”
My chest warms as I give him a fist bump. “Awesome. I’m glad you did. It’s always nice to see you, man.”
“Are you calling it a night?” he asks. “It’s only eleven.”
“Yeah,” I reply, pausing to take in a cold breath. “Unless you wanna chill with me for a bit? I live right around the corner, and I have drinks at my place if you're down.”
His eyebrows rise slightly, and I brace myself for him to decline.
But Callum surprises me.
“For sure, I’d like that,” he says.
I break into another smile, which probably gives away how much I’ve already had tonight, but I don’t care. “Awesome! I’ll lead the way.”
CHAPTER SIX
CALLUM
