Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Chapter 36

"Um, dude?" Stoner went on, under his breath, "Are you going to get in a fight? Because maybe we should have kept our clubs. I mean, you did get beat down by Christian like two weeks ago."

"I'm not going to fight. I just want to see this guy."

"Okay, but if you fight...throw coffee in his face first."

They walked across the parking lot of the Arcaditorium to the Starbucks patio. Steve examined Jen and her date without seeming to. He didn't seem to be anything special - thoroughly average. Annoyance grew, as Steve and Stoner walked to the counter without Jen noticing. After ordering their drinks, Steve turned around and feigned surprise.

"Jen?"

"Steve! How are you?"

"Great. How's it going?"

"It's good. This is Kevin. Kevin, this is my friend, Steve. And back there is his friend, Stoner."

"How's it going, man?" Ugh. Steve hated everything about this "Kevin." Especially his stupid voice.

"It's going. Stoner and I were just over at the Arcaditorium."

"Really?" Kevin smirked. "Are you junior high kids on a date?"

Jen laughed and so did Steve - although a little louder than would have been appropriate.

"This guy's funny. Good thing, with a mug like that. No, his girl works there and he wanted to see her. Plus, you know. Free mini golf."

Jen sensed the dynamic and paused, unsure of how to continue. Kevin broke the silence.

"We'll see you, Steve."

"Yeah. It was good meeting you, Ken -"

"Kevin."

"Sorry. Good meeting you, Kevin, see you, Jen."

"Bye."

Steve walked away, seething. In his head, he knew that Jen wasn't his, but to see her with anyone else made his heart drop into his stomach and splash acid all over his insides.

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