Just Talk

Charlie

We stood around talking for another few minutes. I was grateful for their company and I put together what was happening rather quickly. They had all gathered around to help distract me from the fact that Benji was out there driving like a wild man. They joked around and teased each other, and when I got in on the fun Rick found it extremely amusing. He and I zeroed in on Mason, who found our alliance irritating.

Laina loved it and joined us.

When Harley joined us Mason’s scowl was nearly identical to the one Rick usually wore. But the roles were reversed. Rick was laughing at his brother’s expense and didn’t even notice that Harley had stepped up beside me. She sighed. “This part of things is so boring.”

“I’m having an okay time,” I said.

“Yeah. Well. You have these idiots to keep you amused.”

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “They’re not idiots. And you’re welcome to hang around and be amused by their antics as well.”

Harley leaned sideways to rest her head on my should