did you have something in mind?
Jude
as a matter of fact, I do have something in mind
can you be ready in thirty minutes?
Oliver
Jude my dude, I could be ready right now
Jude
good, I’m on my way
I knock emphatically on the door of room 319, hoping more than anything that Oliver will be the one to answer. Max and Celeste are back home in Bellbridge today, visiting Max’s grandparents. They invited me to tag along, but I declined. I was never as close to Max’s family as Celeste is, and I figured I’d have a lot of studying to do this weekend anyway. I never expected I’d actually be doing this.
The door swings open, and Oliver flashes me an eager smile. “Do I need to change, or am I dressed appropriately for our mysterious adventure?”
I glance up and down at his outfit. He’s wearing black joggers, a solid gray T-shirt, and a cozy-looking burgundy zip-up hoodie. His shoes, however, make me do a double-take—they’re iridescent Crocs. “Those shoes are insane, but otherwise, you’re fine.”
He peers down at his feet. “Insane for the activity, or just insane in general?”
“Insane in general. They’re fine for what we’re doing. Ready?”
“Do I need to bring anything?”
“Maybe your wallet.”
Oliver pats his pocket. “Got it. Let’s rock and roll.”
I roll my eyes before leading the way to the elevator. “God, you’re such an old white man.”
Once in the car and on the road, I notice Oliver’s knee bouncing.
“Nervous?” I ask with a smirk.
“I mean, a little,” he replies. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going, or is edging me part of the fun?”
“Gross choice of words,” I say through a laugh. “But sure, I’ll tell you so that you can decide if you want to join me.”
Oliver’s knee stills, waiting for me to continue.
I take a deep breath. “I’m getting my nostril pierced. I’ve wanted it for years, but my parents convinced me that no reputable company would hire me if I had visible piercings or tattoos. But I recently decided, fuck it, I want a nose piercing.”
“Oh, hell yeah!” Oliver exclaims. “Yeah, that whole no-piercings and no-tattoos thing is so outdated. No one gives a shit about that stuff anymore. It’s just a form of self-expression.”
“Exactly!”
“I’m a bit surprised, though,” Oliver admits. “Did you decide to do this on a whim?”
I nod. “Yeah, this morning.”
“Damn, I’m impressed.”
“Thanks! I figured it’s been too long since I’ve done something for myself like this.”
“Nice! You definitely deserve it.”
