Page 64 of Make Me Laugh

I learned that on Hex’s page.

Joey’s off limits.

We can be friends. Friends who don’t fuck.

Joey baby

A friend of mine is free to do a tour tonight if you’re up for it. Figured you guys might have fun visiting Witch City while you’re in town

I stand on the side of the busy Boston street, cars honking at the stoplight behind me, completely oblivious to the world around me while Joey holds my attention.

Me

Is this a BYOB: Bring Your Own Broomstick situation?

My feet thaw from the ice holding them in place when Joey doesn’t respond right away, allowing me to finally leave my spot on the sidewalk, heading back to the apartment to distract myself from counting down every second until I see her again.

She texts back a few hours later when I’m halfway through my workout at the gym with Enzo and Kell.

Joey baby

You can ride mine.

I chuckle to myself, taking a sip of water while I swat Kell away from peeking over my shoulder.

“What’s so funny?” he asks, giving me the mischievous smile I remember from when he was a kid, running around my childhood home getting into trouble like he was one of the Isakson boys.

“I think you should worry about your form on that last set of deadlifts instead of my texts.” I lock my phone screen, putting it face down on the bench without replying.

With her response fresh in my mind, I return to my workout with a new sense of confidence I haven’t felt since dropping her off at home on Monday.

I don’t mind the mixed signals, Joey baby.

In fact, I like knowing Joey wants me. Even if she doesn’t want to.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

THE ONE WITHOUT MIDDLE NAMES

WestParkerComedy: Sure, everything might be bigger in Texas, but I prefer s-HEX-y Salem. What team are you? Witch or demon?

Comment: He knows Hex lore?! Oh, he’s in LOVE

Comment: Witch or demon? What is this weird shit u keep posting??? Find God. Unfollow!

My mom calls the second we’re about to pull up to Joey’s. We all know if I ignore her, she’ll just try Enzo and Kell next.

I put her on speaker, and all three of us go, “hiiiii, Mooooommmmm,” in the same tone, at the same time.

“Hiya, boys. What are you up to?” I can hear the smile on her face as she talks.

“We’re getting a tour of Salem,” Enzo tells her, pointing the driver to Joey’s house.

“I’ve always wanted to go there!” she cries, and I know she probably stomped her foot too.

My mom has a big personality, constantly being roped in from her latest crazy idea by my level-headed father.

I take after my mom… Obviously.