He dropped William, who hit the floor without much grace.
“Are we going to the casino tonight now that you’re of age?” Dave asked. He’d been
hinting at it for weeks. Both Dave and Ed had turned eighteen earlier in the school
year.
Before William could answer, David and Eric walked into the store. He’d been
friends with them since elementary school.
Dave and Ed had gone to a different elementary school and the groups merged in
middle school. William didn’t know how exactly, though it often felt like Dave had
simply forced the merge.
“Dave 2 and Eric!” Dave exclaimed. “Shocking to see you here. Are you here to walk
William through the Adults Only door?” He pointed dramatically. “Or are you here to
help convince him to go to the casino tonight?”
“It’s David, not Dave 2,” David said, ignoring the question.
“Listen, it’s easier with numbers. Do you know how confusing it is when William
talks about us? Even if you go by David, people assume he means me. So, I’m Dave 1,
older, more awesome, and way more attractive.”
He gave David a sultry look, dragging his hands down the sides of his body toward
his thighs.
“And you’re Dave 2.”
“I can’t go to the casino tonight. I’ve got dinner with my family,” William said,
cutting off the debate. He’d heard it a hundred times.
“That’ll last until, what, seven? Eight? The casino’s open all night.” Dave threw
an arm around him. “Then we go play some slots. You’ll be back by midnight. Maybe
that little girl of yours will let you play her slot machine.”
William brushed his arm off. “Dave—”