593 V2 ch65 (1/2)

The Wilson brothers went back to their own house as we did the same. Once we got home, Noah and I both had to rush to take showers.

I saw him pick out a pair of navy blue swim trunks to wear, matching it with a white polo shirt. ”Very preppy.”

He threw a pillow at me. ”Shut up. It matches, okay?! That's what's important.”

I caught the pillow and threw it back onto his bed. ”Do you think it's okay if I don't wear swim trunks?” I glanced down at the khaki shorts I had put on, matching it with a short-sleeve button up.

”Yea, it's fine!” Noah told me, moving to his desk. ”Not everyone is going to swim. In fact, I know a few kids who don't even know how to swim, so you won't stand out.” He pulled out Alisha's present. ”Can't forget this.”

My lips twitched. It's not very often I knew something that Noah didn't. He was going to make Alisha's day by bringing her this present.

Noah pointed at the small box on the desk. It came in the mail two days ago. Jeremy had signed enough baseball cards for me to pass out to my classmates. ”Don't forget that.”

I obediently picked up the small box with one hand, and put my phone in my pocket with my free hand. I was ready to go.

Noah put his phone in his pocket as well and led the way out of the room. ”I can't believe Jeremy signed so many cards for you. If we have extra, we should sell them online.”

I made a face. ”If we have extra we should just hold onto it in case someone doesn't come to the party.”

”You're too nice.” Noah laughed.

Downstairs we met with Zeke, who had also showered, but wasn't ready for his own party. But he had more time than us. Zeke pulled out a comb. ”Come.”

Noah leaned forward and Zeke brushed the tangles out of his hair. Then he did the same for me. Zeke then surprised us by pulling out his phone and taking some pictures. ”For Mom.”

Noah didn't need any prompting. He grinned, made funny faces, and started to pose. I just stood there awkwardly, portraying a statue.

Zeke finished and put his phone away. ”Okay, let's get going.”

”The twins aren't coming?” I asked as we followed him out to the car.

”I'm only going to drop you two off.” Zeke said while getting in the driver's seat. Noah got in the front passenger seat and I sat behind him. ”I'll give them the address to pick you guys up from.” He glanced at Noah. ”But you'll have to decide what time to get picked up at.”

Noah looked surprised. ”I get to decide? The twins will actually be waiting around for my text? Is this a scam?”

Zeke started to drive us to Alisha's. ”Yes, you get to decide, but don't be surprised if they text you the whole time wondering when it's time to pick you up.”

”Probably late afternoon.” Noah shrugged. ”It's not like a real party. Her parents will be there.”

”I'm allergic.” Noah said flatly.

”You are?” I asked.

Noah laughed. ”No, but it's a good way to get out of trying something without sounding like a loser.”

I looked to Zeke for confirmation.

”It doesn't matter if you look like a loser or not.” Zeke said. ”If they make fun of you for saying no, then they aren't your friends. If they aren't your friends, then they don't matter.”

Noah looked up at him. ”Have you ever had any alcohol?”