Page 87 of Guardian
“Hey, Rav!”Troy holds up what looks like a to-go container.“We got you one of those burritos you like.”
I peer into the window of Gil’s, confused.“Are they even open?”
It’s only a little after six.They don’t open for breakfast for another couple of hours.
“They’ve got kitchen staff already,” Adam pipes up.“They said they didn’t have the time to serve us, but they let us get some stuff to go.After Troy and I sexed up the owner a little.”
Simon rolls his eyes.“Was it really your sloppy fucking blow job skills that got us all breakfast, or was it maybe when I showed them my boyfriend’s black Amex?”
Troy gives him the finger.Simon gives it right back.
My lips curve into a smile even as I’m drying my cheek with my hand.
PJ rushes forward and pulls me into an unexpected hug.“Can’t believe you’re actually fucking leaving us.You know how hard it is for me to make friends?”
“Uh…”
“Here.”Prince, whom I still don’t know all that well, nudges me with his elbow.“You’ll need caffeine for the drive, wherever you’re going.”
“Whereareyou going?”Alexis asks.
She’s wearing flannel pajama pants, with her long blonde hair pulled into a messy bun.Guess I’m not the only one who’s cold.Then again, we’re sort of edging toward fall, which means it’s “only” about seventy degrees this morning.When I first moved here from Virginia, the temperature was oppressively hot.I’d walk outside and immediately feel as if I needed a shower.Now?The mornings are downright cool.
“Uh…” It seems to be the only word I know this morning.
An insistent meow from the back seat has me reaching through Michael’s open window to pull out Mr.Cat’s carrier.
“I don’t know for sure,” I say after I set the carrier down.“I was actually thinking maybe Canada?”
Everyone stares at me.Everyone.Michael, Christian, PJ, Alexis and Eve, Adam and Troy, Simon, and especially Prince, who looks more horrified than the rest of them.
“You know it’s cold there, right?”Troy’s eyebrows dip low with concern.
“Sure.I know.But I acclimated to Florida, so I’d adjust to being there, too.And I hear the people are friendly.”
Who doesn’t like friendly people?
“The people are friendly here, too.”PJ points out.
Simon scoffs.“Not you.”
PJ narrows his eyes.“Not you either, you little shit.”
Simon pokes out his tongue.
“I’m nice,” Troy points out.
“Sometimes you’re a little too nice.”Adam rolls his eyes.
Next thing I know, they’re all arguing among themselves about who’s nicer or who’s a bigger asshole.I can’t quite tell.
Michael whistles.“Settle down, kids,” he says, a look of humor on his face.“We’re here to say goodbye to Ravi.Show him our support.”
The murmur of agreement that goes through the group makes my chest ache more.
“Still, though,” Eve says.“If you don’t have much of a plan for going, you could maybe stay?My roommate is moving out soon to live with a boy.”She brushes her braids off her shoulder and shoots a glare at Alexis, who giggles and throws her hands over her face.“So I’ll have an open room once she moves her shit.”
“Seriously, Rav.Stay.You could crash on my couch,” Michael offers.
