another glance. “Sanchez’s sixth-hour Spanish class. So that cannot be William
Further. For he only exists in school now.”
“You know—” William began, knowing Dave would cut him off. He always did. When Dave
had a speech, it was best to let him finish.
“No!” Dave shouted. “I know.”
Dave pointed back and forth between himself and Ed. “Nay! We know our dear friend
William Further has fallen under a temptress’s spell.”
“Dave—” William tried again.
“William!” Dave responded. “There's even a rumor going around school that last
week, you and the temptress...” He paused for dramatic effect. “...went to Chuck E.
Cheese.”
William rolled his eyes.
“You know one of us here has a deep, undying love for animatronic animals singing
public domain songs. I'm not naming names but I did not receive an invite.”
“I'm sorry. We were out and about and it was a last-minute decision. I didn’t have
your number, and the pay phone at Chuck E. Cheese is the only thing there that
doesn't accept tokens,” William said, trying to justify it.
Dave sighed, then tossed a quarter at William, hitting him on the shoulder.
“Pick it up, put it in your wallet, and next time the temptress takes you there,
call me. No excuses. NONE!”
The sudden outburst startled William. He froze, his mouth half-open.
Dave sprinted forward and grabbed him in a tight bear hug, lifting him off the
ground.
“Happy birthday, buddy,” he teased, returning to his usual self. “Are you here for
the 'Adults Only' room? You can go in there any old time you want now.”