AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m being serious.”
“I know,” Gibby said. “That’s what makes it so sad.”
Before Nick could reply with what would most likely be a half-hearted retort, someone put their bag next to his head and took a seat beside him. He sat up to see Seth staring down at him. “Oh look, everyone. Seth is here. He didn’t disappear again with no explanation whatsoever.”
“Don’t be a jerk,” Gibby admonished when Seth flinched.
Jazz glanced back and forth between them. “He probably has a perfectly reasonable explanation for why he wasn’t there to see you take off your clothes and jump into a river.”
“Wearing drag queen jewelry,” Gibby said.
“Wearing drag queen jewelry,” Jazz agreed. “I have the video if you want to see it. Would you like that, Seth? Would you like to see the video of Nick in his underwear?”
Seth blushed and shuffled his feet. Nick was almost overcome with the desire to reach out and hold his hand, but since he was mad at Seth, he couldn’t do that. He had to stick to his guns.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Seth muttered.
“Uh-huh,” Jazz said. “Of course not. Why would anyone say exactly what they were thinking? That’s just madness.”
Seth’s face reddened further. “I, uh. I brought you something.”
Nick forgot about his anger for a moment. He liked presents. “You did?”
Seth shrugged. “It’s not much.”
“Give it to me,” Nick demanded. “Whatever it is, I must have it now so I can decide if it’s enough to forgive you for being a terrible best friend.”
Seth muttered something under his breath and reached down into his backpack. He pulled out brightly colored plastic and shoved it at Nick. “Here.”
Skwinkles Salsagheti.
Nick stared at it.
“It’s mango-flavored,” Seth said quietly.
It might have been the nicest thing anyone had ever given him. “Thanks. I’m still mad at you, but… thanks.”
“I know. I’ll explain though, okay? I promise. Give me a few days. I’ll tell you.”
“Tell me what?” Nick asked as he looked up at Seth.
“Everything,” Seth said.
“Everything?” Gibby said, breathless. “Seth, are you sure that’s—”
“Everything,” Seth said firmly, not looking away from Nick.
“Okay,” Nick said slowly. He cocked his head. “Is it bad?”
“I don’t… think so?”
“Is it a secret girlfriend and/or boyfriend?”
“No, Nick. It’s not.”
“Am I going to be perfectly satisfied with this explanation?”
“I have absolutely no idea.”
