“So what? My dad is twenty years older than my mom. Still going strong, too, that’s why I wear headphones to bed.” Devon mimed throwing up. “Don’t want to hear them going at it.”
Orsen giggled, then grinned at Cody, who had a huge smile on his face. “I have no complaints.”
They walked along the sidewalk until they reached the tea shop and Cody opened the door and held it open for the four of them. “Right. What do you want?”
Orsen stood in front of the cakes, seeing the one Cody had mentioned. A soft lilac frosting with what looked like lavender petals on top. It looked pretty and Orsen wanted to try it. “Can I have one of those as well?”
“Tell Sherri your orders.” Cody handed over his card when they’d all ordered, and they found a table in the corner wherethey could all fit. “I’m so looking forward to this cake. The lemon slice was nice, and so was the orange one.”
“Do you come here often? You know all the cakes.” Dale sipped his soda.
“I come with Toni.”
“Oh, I know about this. My mom told me the bitches were talking about it.” Dale narrowed his eyes. “I think it’s cool how you all care about each other. Ted’s family broke up and they all hate each other. He can’t wait to turn eighteen and leave home.”
“Yeah, some people need to remember the kids in all the shit that happens. Carter is my uncle, so we’re family in a way, which gave those bitches plenty to gossip about. The way I see it is, if they’re talking about me, then they’re leaving someone else alone.”
“I think it’s either you or Orsen.” Devon shrugged. “Sorry.”
“I knew it would happen.” Orsen exhaled, then sat back in his chair. “I didn’t want to do it.”
“If you hadn’t, we wouldn’t be friends again. We’re all sorry it happened.” Dale looked around the table. “Ambrose. Well, you know what he was like.” Dale trailed off with a shrug.
“I know. Can we not talk about him? I’m trying to move on.” Orsen gave them a closed-lipped smile. “I’m back in school and making new friends.”
“No worries. Did you see the homework Parks gave us? How are we supposed to get it done by Monday? It’ll take me that long to understand the assignment!” Matty groaned. “Save me now.”
“We should get together one night and do it, or we can do a group chat,” Dale suggested.
“Hey guys. I could get my mom to cook for us and we can have a sleepover at my place.” Devon’s eyes brightened when the cake came over. “Hmm chocolate.” Devon took a mouthful, then groaned. “You’ll be there too, won’t you, Orsen? I can let my mom know.”
“You have to come. It’ll be fun.” Dale looked at Orsen and Cody’s slices of cake. “I should have got that.”
Orsen glanced at Cody, who smiled and nodded. “Sure. Let me know when. I have a date on Friday.” He felt his cheeks heat up when the three of them all ‘oohh’ at him. “Shut up.”
“I broke up with Sana.” Dale ate another bite of his cake. He shrugged and said, “I knew it would happen.”
Matty pointed his fork at Dale. “Bet she’s back with that jock, Freak.”
“Freak? Who names their kid Freak?” Orsen glanced at Cody, then the other three.
“That’s the good name. His older brother is called Road because he was conceived on the road.” Dale shuddered.
“What? Road?” Orsen’s mouth fell open. “I, er, what?”
“Yeah. That was my reaction. Don’t you think he’d make some shit up for when he’s asked about his name?” Dale grimaced. “I wouldn’t tell anyone the truth.”
“Me neither,” Cody grunted. “Can you imagine the look on their faces? Poor bastard.”
“So you have a date, Orsen?” Dale waggled his eyelashes. “Gonna get laid?”
Orsen fidgeted in the chair. “I don’t know.”
“You have, right… Oh. Forget I asked.” Dale winced. “Sorry.”
“Have you?” All three nodded, and Cody just sat back and grinned. Orsen pulled a face at Cody, then said, “All of you?”
“Dude. We haven’t been stuck in a cabin in the woods. Now you’re out, you can get all the ass you want. I’m bi, so I get to try out both.” Devon grinned. “Best of both worlds.”
