Page 24 of A Minute More

But it’s too late now. That message is out there in the world. No taking it back.

“What the fuck did you just do?” Jude asks, and I sigh.

“Someone needs to be his friend. That someone is gonna be me.”

Jude rolls his eyes and scoffs, but he doesn’t disagree. Deep down this doofus knows I’m right. He’s a softy under it all.

“Yeah, yeah, guess you’re right, but there is no way in hell that dude says yes. He’s just gonna ignore your text…and since when do you have his number anyway?”

I just shrug, letting the mystery of it settle between us. It’s none of his business. Not like he’d believe me if I told him that Simon messaged me first.

That seems so fucking foreign it’s almost like a different language.

I can’t truly understand it. Need to study it a bit more.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out, my heart thudding slightly.

Simon:

When?

I about die, my breath coming out in a wheeze. I don’t believe that he’s even considering it.

Me:

Seven?

A slight pause and then a message asking me for my address. I send it right away, not wanting to be the one to thwart this. No, I’m fully on board and supportive. I want to see Simon out in the wild, mingling with people his own age.

What will it be like? Will he make friends? Will he even be friendly?

I find out a little while later when Simon appears. He’s fifteen minutes early, like he is for everything. He’s wearing his usual attire, looking like a businessman and not at all casual like the rest of us. Jude, Ollie, and Lucas all just stare at him for a second before reaching out to bump his fists. Simon awkwardly engages before his arm drops to his side and he shuffles on his feet.

“The party hasn’t really started yet,” I say softly as I move into the kitchen, Simon following closely behind me. The counters are lined with bottles of alcohol and red plastic cups, and I know that in a few hours, this collection is going to be decidedly thin.

“How big is this party?” he asks as I grab him an unopened bottle of water.

“Um…who knows. With Jude and Ollie, things could get a little wild.”

Simon looks flustered for a minute, every emotion drawn across his face before he carefully schools it.

“Hey, it’s okay, man. You’ll love it.” I reach out and brush his shoulder gently, and his cheeks pinken at the contact.

“That’s to be determined,” he mutters and then takes a step away from me, opening his water bottle and taking a long-drawn-out gulp.

“Well, my friends are chill. I’m sure you’ll like them. And you already know Jude and Ollie…”

He doesn’t respond, just lets me lead him back into the other room where the guys are lounging on the sofa, eating straight from a veggie and meat tray—most of the veggies going untouched.

“So, Simon, how’s life?” Jude asks.

Simon meets his gaze and then says, “Fine.”

“Surprised you came out tonight,” Jude adds, and I roll my eyes at my friend. Way to make it awkward, dude.

“Leave the guy alone,” Lucas says as a knock resounds around the room. Jude springs from the couch and opens the front door, a group of people filtering in with more alcohol.

I hear the speakers get turned on and music permeates the space. My eyes land on Simon, wondering what he’s thinking and if he’s having any regrets.