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To that, Richie grins “I find I don’t mind at all”

[ THE TRAIN OF DESTINY ]

Six days, eighteen hours, and twelve ht Zak and Richie spent together in his apart the crowded train, Zak instantly notices the stench of so the bar nearby, who has clearly come from an intensive, sweaty workout, as indicated by whatever funk is fu from his exposed armpit But he bears the unbearable odor, because it would be rude to gag Well, that, and his only other option is to squeeze next to Mack and Lex on the bench and be sucked into a tedious discussion about so very specifically dorky—and Zak has far tooif he’ll get to see hiht

15

“You heard from him yet?” asks Mack

It’s like salt to the wound every time he asks “Not since the last time you inquired”

Lex leans into Mack “You’re annoying him”

“I’m not annoyed,” I throw over my shoulder

“He is,” Lex insists a touch quieter—but I still hear him clearly

The two of theument (which they insist was just a friendly chat) about so called Full-Metal Alchemist—whatever that is—for the last half hour Why they are suddenly paying so much attention to me now, I don’t know

“He’s in a runts Mack

“Yeah Probably cock-blocked by his big-daddy boyfriend,” Lex agrees

I don’t knohen my former arch nemesis andover waiting for a text back froht be able to bear it more

We’re on our way to a party Brett invited us to tonight It was just three days ago when he caught ines and, just inside the doors of Piazza Place in front of thea party this weekend! It isn’t here, don’t worry It’s across the river at his place You’re invited! Everyone in this building is invited! DJ Parish will be there spinning his tunes—You know hiht? ‘Course, you do! Everyone does! Hey, Lex toldhim, too!”

It wasn’t until I ht online that I even gave oneBut since Richie planned to visit e to come in a day early and join me for the party