He cursed Arthur for the entire drive to town.
*
Connor lazed his way through the streets, stopping at a McDonald’s. He joined the drive-through line and the sound of engines idling filled the air as he opened up his dad’s wallet to see what he’d been entrusted with. Connor snorted at the crisp hundred-euro bills.
A group of teenagers stood at the corner of the building chatting and eating. The sound of Laurence's voice was enough for Connor to recognise him immediately. Laurence flashed a dimpled smile to the girl at his side, his hands tucked in his pockets. Connor studied the group, seeing that Laurence was the only one without something to eat. The line moved forward, bringing Connor parallel to the group.
Connor rolled down his window and rested his elbow on the opened space. “Laurence,” he called.
Laurence looked around himself, confused. Connor lifted his hand, and the movement caught Laurence’s attention.
“Connor!” Laurence called. His voice was full of enthusiasm, as if he was thrilled to run into Connor. Laurence trotted over to him.
Laurence's bright, inquisitive eyes bored into him as he leaned against the door. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m grabbing lunch. Do you want anything?”
“I—yes, I do.” Laurence glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
The girl frowned, though the two guys seemed nonplussed by Laurence leaving them.
“We still have class,” she pointed out. Sharp chestnut-coloured eyes darted to Connor, and her brow furrowed. “Come on, Laurence” she said, voice laced with concern. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“It’s fine,” Laurence replied calmly.
He trotted around the front of the car and climbed into the passenger seat without hesitation. Connor had something else in mind, but he couldn't bring himself to tell Laurence he only meant that he’d buy him lunch. They inched forward with the line as Laurence settled into his seat.
“Oh.” Laurence scrunched his nose. “It’s very fishy.”
Connor had stopped noticing the smell.
“You have time to bail.”
“It’s okay,” Laurence said. “I’ll get used to it.” He manoeuvred his school bag to his feet and rolled down his window all the way, letting in cold fresh air. Laurence stuck his face out. “What are you in town for?”
“I’m running an errand for Dad,” Connor explained. They came up to the intercom to give their orders. McPlant burgers were surprisingly good.
“Dad is already sending you on errands?” Laurence asked. “He usually bribes Nick to help him.”
A funny feeling twinged in Connor’s gut at Laurence’s nonchalance. “My dad. Ben,” Connor corrected him.
“Oh, oh yeah, I forgot,” Laurence said with a sheepish grin. “It’s cool that you can drive. I want to learn, too, but Nick gets nervous whenever I’m behind the wheel. He doesn’t trust me not to crash.”
Connor briefly met Laurence’s gaze, weighing up his feelings before saying, “I can show you.”
“Really?” A wide smile spread across Laurence’s face.
“Sure.”
Connor parked in the lot next to the fast-food building so they could eat. Despite Connor’s efforts, Laurence insisted on giving him money for the food.
“I work with dad in the kitchen on the weekends,” Laurence said. “I get paid for that. And I worked full time during the summer, too.”
“How old are you again?”
“Sixteen,” Laurence said. “What do you usually do during the summers? Do you work?”
“I spend it on the water,” Connor said between bites of veggie burger. “It depends on the day that’s in it. If it’s calm, I’ll paddleboard and snorkel. If it’s choppy, I’ll surf. I’ll sail, too.” Sailing was for when loneliness came calling, and he needed the distraction.
