Page 63 of Jackass
She spun around and sighed.
“Sam, would you tell this child that I was invited?”
“Um, who invited you?” I asked.
“Well, I would have thought you would. It hurt when you didn’t. But Beck invited me.”
“I’m sorry, Carrie. This wasn’t my party to invite anyone. But if Beck invited you, I’m glad you’re here. Charlie and I have missed you this week.”
“Have you? Cause you haven’t called, and you’ve made no attempt to see me,” she whined.
“I’m sorry,” I said, looking at the ground.
Carrie was right. I had been ignoring her. I asked the prospect to grab the napkins and take them out to Beck. I didn’t need an audience for my guilt.
“I’m sorry, Sam. I just miss you and Charlie so much.” She threw her arms around me and hugged me tight.
I held on. Carrie had given up her life to live in hiding with Charlie and me. I needed to do better with my friend.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. Come outside and get something to eat.” Linking my arm around hers, I led her out to the party.
We walked across the yard to the food tent and found Jack talking with Shotgun. He noticed Carrie and frowned.
“Hey, Carrie, I didn’t know you’d be here today,” Jack commented.
“Beck invited me,” she clipped.
“Have you met Shotgun? Shotgun, this is Sammy’s friend Carrie. I bet you two would get along great,” he hedged. “Sammy, I was just about to come get you. I need help with something. Excuse us, please.”
Jack grabbed my arm and led me away.
“Jack, what are you doing?” I sighed.
“What is she doing here?”
“Beck invited her.”
“Are you sure? Did you confirm that with Beck?” he asked.
“Confirm what with Beck?” I jumped at her voice. Turning around, I hadn’t realized she had walked up behind us.
“Did you invite Carrie?” Jack sneered.
“I did,” she confirmed.
“Why the fuck did you do that?” he spat.
“Jack, please be nice,” I begged.
“Keep your friends close, Jack. And your enemies closer.” Beck winked.
“Enemies? Carrie is not the enemy,” I squawked.
Jack and Beck just looked at me.
“What?”
“I don’t trust her, Sammy.”