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Amusement widens his eyes “Most people do”

“I’ve seen you relaxed at the beach, and we’ve been to hundreds of parties together over the years You’re one of my friends, someone who easily makes my top six”

He chuckles “I’ve earned that sixth spot”

Reaching over, I cover his wrist with ”

“It’s probably true, though, and that’s okay, Tealey I’ innocent or bashful about that smirk I’m dead Gone to heavenorone of my “friends,”his way to the top of my list and then killed me dead with a ston knows exactly what he’s doing using that loaded weapon on unsuspecting victims like myself

“I, uh, ulish, so I use a napkin to wipe the drool fro in ht noill make any sense anyway

“Since we’re on the subject of friends, I’ve been thinking about the unique opportunity we’ve been given”

I take a quick sip of soda “Oh, yeah?”

“To strengthen our relationship Not that it’s weak or anything, but—”

“It’s okay I knohat you meant What’s the opportunity?”

“We have a chance to really get to know each other We’re both single and ay too much The little free time we have will probably be e see each other at home”

“I’, I think about all the ways this opportunity could go, filling in blanks that aren’t even on the table Pulling utter, I say, “We could spend soether”

“Take tonight There’s no pressure or dress code No expectation or—”

“Deet to be ourselves”

He nods, looking attier since someone felt that way Other thanYou’re easy—”