expected a DJ. Smith family parties were usually laid-back. The hall could hold
about a hundred people. Around fifteen had arrived so far, but William hadn’t
spotted Eric yet.
He was happy for Eric.
But with David away at school, Eric had been William’s only friend left in town and
once he left after Christmas, William would be alone for months at a time.
The trio had made the most of the summer. They’d gone to concerts in Detroit, taken
a day trip to Cedar Point, and laughed when William puked after his third time on
the Raptor.
Aside from family and friends, the only other person William talked to was his
coworker Darryl, who mostly focused on scratch-off lottery tickets. Not exactly
hangout material.
William told himself to enjoy the night. It could be a long time before all three
of them were in the same room again.
“HEEEEYYYY!” Eric’s voice echoed from the back entrance.
He stumbled in holding a red plastic cup, spilling it with every step.
“Whazupguyzzzz,” Eric slurred, dropping into a chair at the table next to theirs.
“Someone started early,” David said.
“Hah, yeah. Dare’s two kegs inda back. Go grabacup.”
“That’s all you, William,” David said. “I lost the rock-paper-scissors battle, so
I’m staying sober.”
“We can gitchoo a ride home,” Eric offered.
“I’ll think about it,” David said. He turned to William. “Go get a drink?”
William hesitated. He didn’t want to be drunk by eight.
“I’ll hold off for now. Maybe later,” he said.