Page 7 (1/2)

“Have you ever had a job?”

Other than the occasional babysitting gig? “No, I never had the time You?”

“Yes, I actually used to work for randfather oell, he died, but it’s still in the family—an industrial factory, and I spendpaperclips and other office supplies” Roman picks at the threads of his jeans “The pay is shit, but I have to do it”

“That sounds, um…”

“Boring That sounds boring—you can say it” He laughs “TrustI’ve been at it, and I only get half-hour breaks Once, I had someone try to break into my car while it was parked outside because the factory is in the city and Grandpa gave zero fucks about security”

“At least you’remoney”

He grunts “Barely Like I said, he never paid me shit And now my uncle owns it and he’s worse This was my last summer, and I hope I’m not around next year”

“Where will you be?”

“Traveling” He gets quiet for a few seconds “I’ve been applying for grants and scholarships—fingers crossed”

Roirlfriends and I soood luck, and I cross mine for him, too

“Well, I hope it all goes well for you” I sigh, peering into the abyss that is the party down on the lower level The h the front door, arriving into the late hours “I’ the same ol’ same ol’”

“The good news is, we’ll be done in four years”

“That’s true” Then I can get an apart ways “Well…” I breathe out Toy with the bracelet around et back to the party”

“Probably” He stands

I stand “It was niceyou”

“Yeah, you too” His hands get stuffed into the pockets of his jeans, and I realize then how tall Ro overon the step above him

Six two? Six three?

Hard to say, but I find et a look at his face, the lenses froht

“Do you suppose I’ll see you around?”

His shoulders shrug “I’m not a fan of parties, and as it is, I still have to drive home”

Oh

Duh—no wonder he hasn’t been drinking He has to drive Fifteen minutes I think he said it was? Yuck

“This was fun though Thank you for keeping me company”

“I wasn’t keeping you co me company”