Aurora: Has anyone ever told you how disgusting you all are?
Connor: Just spreading the love, little Hart. Ella says hi.
Aurora: Hi Ella—your boyfriend is disgusting.
Connor: She says welcome to her world. She wants to know if you want to go for drinks one night?
Aurora: Yeah. Maybe. Now was there a point to this group chat, or can I get back to my book?
Connor: You’re reading?
Aurora: I came to check out the library. You know, the building that houses all the books.
Connor: Funny.
Aurora: I thought so.
I smiled to myself. These guys were something else. I couldn’t help but notice Noah’s lack of participation, though.
Austin: Okay, okay. I didn’t add you all to shoot the shit. We need to figure out our costume for the Lakers’ annual orientation party.
Connor: Hell yes!!!
Aurora: I don’t understand…
Unless he’d added me by mistake.
Austin: Every year the Lakers host a big welcome back party. It’s always a costume party and everyone goes ALL OUT. We need to pick our theme.
Aurora: I know what a costume party is Austin, I just don’t understand why you’re including me in this.
Connor: Rules are rules, little Hart.
Aurora: I’m not sure I want to go to a party at Lakers House.
Connor: What, why not? Ella will be there. Dayna too. You have to come. It’s the rules, baby!
Aurora: Please, stop saying that.
My mouth twitched. I liked Connor a lot.
Austin: Holden, you there? You’re awfully quiet.
Noah: Connor talks enough for both of us.
Connor: Asshole!
Aurora: I’m going to bow out of this conversation now.
Connor: What, you can’t! We need you if we’re going to win.
Aurora: I don’t really do costume parties.
With the hockey team at their house and what I could only imagine would be a flock of scantily-clad puck bunnies.
Austin: First time for everything, sis.
Noah: You know they’re right, shortcake.