William had become somewhat responsible and started working at the gas station in
front of Video Coop. David had suggested the job. His father was proud. William
didn’t need to rely on him for money anymore.
He grabbed his keys and left his room. Willow lay on the couch, watching a movie.
“Tell your girlfriend that Love-A-Lot still sucks,” she said without looking away
from the screen.
“I’ll forget by the time I get to my car,” he replied, heading out.
The peaceful drive to Casey’s didn’t calm his nerves. He’d told his father he was
staying at Eric’s. He knew David would crack under pressure if his father asked
about the sleepover, but Eric answered everything with a simple yes or no.
As soon as he pulled up, Casey ran out and hopped in the passenger seat. She kissed
him deeply and smiled. “Can’t wait for pancakes!”
“I thought we could go a little fancier,” William said. “Maybe grab a couple
lobsters and cook them ourselves.”
“Lobsters? I don’t think I could eat them. Just hearing them scream while being
boiled alive!”
“Do they scream?” William asked.
“I’m not sure, but I don’t want to find out,” Casey replied. “So, pancakes it will
have to be. Unless you want to try your hand at homemade imitation Bagel Bites.”
“While I’d love to, I spend all day saucing the little bagels. I need a break.”
“You do deserve a break from saucing up baby bagels.” Casey smirked. “We’ll find
something else for you to do.”
“You always do.”
“I’m just so excited my parents went out of town,” she said. “They’ve never left me
home alone before. Two years ago, before I moved here, I had to stay at a friend’s