“Hi, Simon. I want you to know, Hector talks about you all the time. It’s great to finally meet you in person.”
Jamal extends his hand and gives me a firm handshake. Both he and Hector are dressed stylishly. Their clothes, clearly, are not from big box stores. They smell of musky cologne and minty toothpaste.
“It’s great to meet you too. I’m so glad you two could stop by. I’m anxious for you to meet PJ and the rest of my friends. This is Paul, and this is his house. We were just about to head downstairs to the party.”
But before we can take a step forward, Mags’ voice reverberates from downstairs. “You’re what?”
I look at Paul. “I’m guessing Neel and Suzi just broke the news to Mags.”
“What news?” Paul looks puzzled.
“That they’re dating.”
“Neel and Suzi are dating?”
“Yep!”
“Okay, that’s just weird.”
“I know, but you know what? We’re all weird. Just be happy for them and let them be weird together.”
“Okay.” Paul shrugs as we join the party.
36
The Party: This Was Not Part of My Life’s Plan
I’m having a party. An actual real-life party, beer and all. Sure, the party is at Paul’s house, but it’s still my party with all my friends. I can’t believe I have so many and they’re all here—Mags, Neel, Paul, Latica, Hector, and Jamal. Even the GSA showed up, minus Tillie this time. Most of all, I can’t believe I have a boyfriend. My beautiful, sunny PJ. My Pajamas. If it wasn’t for Mom’s car accident, life would be as good as good can get.
Neel and Cisco have taken over the music, and I can’t say I’m a fan of their selections. But everyone is dancing except Paul, Latica, and me. PJ makes his best attempt to get me to dance with him.
“I don’t dance!” I state emphatically. “This is a nonnegotiable that will never change, so deal with it.”
To make me jealous, PJ slides between Hector and Jamal and dances with them.
“It’s not going to work, Pajamas. I don’t get jealous.”
He sticks out his tongue at me, and I sit back and smile.
Well, maybe I’m a little jealous. After all, they’re so handsome.
I turn my attention to Neel who is dancing with Suzi. They are especially fun to watch. Neel resembles a flagpole waving in the wind, and Suzi appears to find it charming.
“Aren’t they cute together?” I lean toward Latica.
“Huh, what?” Latica is clearly distracted.
“Neel and Suzi, don’t they seem perfect for each other?”
“Oh, yeah, I guess so.”
“Latica, just go ask Mags to dance. I know that’s what’s on your mind.”
“Simon, I don’t want to dance with her. I want to sit and talk to her. Somewhere quiet. Maybe we could read books together. Something like that. But what does it matter? She is having so much fun dancing with Toni. It’s clear. Just look at them. Any minute now, Toni is going to start feeding her again. Remember when she did that in your bedroom? It was unsanitary.”
“How could I forget? They left my bed full of crumbs. Hey, do you want me to intervene? I could pull Mags aside and say something to her. You know, give her a heads-up. For all her bravado, she can be a bit clueless. I bet she has no idea how you feel about her. Let me help. I could be the kindling for your fire.”
But before Latica can answer, Paul interrupts our conversation. “Um, guys, look! I’m sorry to say, but things are about to get more difficult for you, Latica.”
