I’d worked at three different places while Mike had been in Africa and the first only lasted three weeks before I had to quit. I wasn’t known to be a quitter, but they were the biggest assholes and I didn’t need money that much, not when I’d started getting paid for gaming. My newest job was at a gas station where the worst part of the job was the odd hours, but I actually enjoyed working there.
Me: I’m not really into the party scene.
I’d never even gone. Pete was with Jackson and wouldn’t join me if I’d asked, and I didn’t have any other close friends. I had mycousin, but he had his own bestie and I felt like I was intruding on them if I asked them to go out with me. Also, it wasn’t at all tempting. Dancing to music that would most likely not be to my taste and the scent of sweat and spilled alcohol… yeah not my idea of a fun time. I also couldn’t drink which meant many places wouldn’t allow me in anyway.
Mike: Really? But you’re still so young.
I rolled my eyes at that.
Me: Yes, Daddy, you’re completely correct I am young.
Mike: Don’t ever call me daddy ever again
I grinned.
Me: Okay,Daddy.
Seven months later.
Mike groaned into the phone. “Describe it to me.”
I laughed. “You want me to describe the taste?”
“Yes, please.”
“Can’t you buy burgers when you go into the city?” I questioned, amused.
“They’re not the same,” he groaned. “It takes two hours to go into the city where there’s decent burgers and even those don’t come close to what we’re used to.”
“So, you’re actually able to get burgers, they just don’t meet your too high standards,” I objected.
“Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m picky about my burgers, okay? Even my hotel doesn’t have any good ones available. At least their African food is amazing.”
“Huh,” I said, pondering. “Why don’t you just enjoy their food then and look forward to your favorite burger when you return?”
“Because my stomach demands burgers, Dylan!”
I snickered at that.
Mike laughed softly, then changed the subject, “Have you spoken with Pete lately?”
“Yeah, we gamed for a few hours yesterday.” I spent more time with Pete now and I was so relieved we were back to our old friendship.
“I still can’t believe he didn’t tell me he’d quit being a medium,” Mike grumbled.
I got Mike’s annoyance. I had to learn about it from Mike, who was told by their mother, Linda.
“He’s busy being in love and running the club with Jackson,” I reminded him. Jackson and Pete owned a mansion that they’d turned into a BDSM club. It took most of their time but they both seemed happy doing it.
“Yeah, yeah. And I’m happy for them.”
There was something in his tone so I had to ask, “Did Vera try to contact you again?”
Mike had rejected her calls and texts but she seemed determined to get in touch with Mike ever since her newest boyfriend broke up with her. Was I afraid Mike would take her back? Definitely. I wasn’t ready to lose whatever Mike and I had started. It might justbe friendship to Mike, but to me it was everything. I looked forward to his texts and thought about what he was doing and with whom all day every day. I doubted he did the same with me, but I could pretend.
He sighed. “Yeah. I didn’t answer, but it’s annoying me.”
“Just block her.”
