Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 01:47:29 +0000 (UTC) From: Sean R <seanr_13@yahoo.ca> Subject: A Drink with a Stranger - 16 Any feedback is appreciated, please write me to seanr_13@yahoo.ca Please donate to keep this great community going: http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html ----- A Drink with a Stranger By: Sean Roberts ----- -- Chapter 16 -- Lane knocked on Ellis' door. Finn opened it—he and Victoria were there with Ellis. Lane went inside. "Listen, they're okay," Lane said. "Good," Ellis said. "They want you to finish making breakfast." "Happy to," Ellis said. "Great. I'll see you downstairs." "You're making me go do this by myself? With them there?" "Of course he isn't," Finn said, stepping in. "Victoria, would you mind helping him?" She looked daggers at him. "Please?" he added. She sighed. She stepped towards Finn and whispered something in his ear. Finn's face fell. "Come on Ellis," she said. "I'll give you a hand." "How are your parents?" Finn said, once they were alone. "They're fine, really. I told them you knew already—only because they asked." "Good," Finn said. "I know you hadn't meant for this to happen, but at least they know now. Are you okay Lane?" "No." "Why not?" "I don't know what to do about this whole gambling thing. I was planning to deal with everything this weekend until we had to come on this stupid trip. I can't do anything until we get back." "So about that, Lane. I'd really prefer Ellis didn't find out it was me who told you. I mean, I promised him I wouldn't." "Okay. I'll tell him I found out from Taylor. Which, really, I did anyway." "Thanks Lane. Now Victoria's all pissed off. She keeps asking what's going on with you and me, and now that I sent her out of the room ..." "Yeah. Well, just tell her what's going on. I told Ellis last night about us. Not every detail or anything. I just told him we used to be friends and that we played around a bit when we were younger. I had to," Lane said, seeing the expression on Finn's face. "I had to explain us kissing in the restaurant." "Yeah, I guess you had to." "Obviously we can leave out that last part when we tell Victoria. And plus, I may have something that will make her happy." "What is it?" Lane smiled, then started rummaging through Ellis' duffel bag until he found a wallet. He pulled out Ellis' student card and examined it for a moment. "What's that—" "I'll explain later," Lane said. "Let's go have breakfast." -- There was an awkward silence as dishes and condiments were passed around, then Ellis told a joke. It was not particularly funny, but everyone laughed. When they had finished eating, Lane's father unknowingly found a way to help Lane with his plans. "Lane," James said. "Mr. Bleacher at the butcher shop has the steaks ready for tonight. Would you drive into town to pick them up?" Lane looked over at Finn. "Umm, dad, I don't have a car." "I know Lane, but you can take mine," he said with the tone of someone stating the obvious. "We'll take him," Finn said. "Great," James said. "That works." "Excellent," Ellis said. "I wouldn't mind going for a drive." "Oh," James said. "Actually, Ellis, I was hoping to ask you to help Sally and I prepare the sides." "Dad, I can help you when we get back," Lane said. "But Ellis did such a great job—" "I'd be more than happy to Mr. Conway," Ellis said. "How wonderful," Sally said. Taylor and Jessica were looking back and forth at everyone, smirking to themselves. "Ellis, you really don't have to stay behind. Mom, dad, what's wrong with you guys? I mean--" "It's okay Lane," Ellis said. "Really." "Well alright then, let's get out of here." -- Finn looked like he was really holding it in as they climbed into his truck. As soon as he was behind the wheel, he burst into laughter. His face turned very red, and Lane could not tell if tears were involved. "What is it?" Victoria said impatiently. "Lane's parents and Ellis! They're in there interrogating him right now. He won't know what hit them! Just like what they did to you!" Finn banged his hands against the steering wheel. "Oh, nice," Victoria said. "As if this isn't hard enough for them as it is." "Oh come on V." She snickered. "Okay, you're right, it is pretty funny." "Nice," Lane said. "Listen, seriously, can we get the hell out of here? I really need a drink." "Lane, it's like nine in the morning." "Yeah, and I'm sober. This is bullshit. I know a place that'll throw some whiskey into our coffee. Make the first right at the end of the road and I'll give you directions." "Umm, aren't we supposed to be picking up groceries for dinner?" Victoria said. "We can do that on the way back," Lane said. "Come on Finn, stop laughing. For heaven's sake! Just let me drive." Finn put his hands in the air and unbuckled his seatbelt. Finn sat in the driver's seat and tore off. It was a nice place overlooking the lake. They sat at a table outside. The sun was golden. There was almost no breeze, and the warmth at that time of the morning was perfect. The air was clean; the trees reflected in the calm water. Lane ordered three coffees and gestured for the whiskey. He got a smile back, and a few minutes later, they sipped the strong coffee. "As alcoholic as this is, it's pretty good," Victoria said. "Good," Finn said. "Listen, I need to tell you something," Finn said. Victoria looked worried. "What is it?" "Lane and I are best friends." Finn glanced worriedly at Lane. "I mean we were best friends. I don't know if—" "Finn, it's okay," Lane said. "Good. We are best friends then. I've known him my whole life. We stopped talking just after we started our freshmen year." "Well that explains a lot," she said, taking another sip of her coffee. She looked into her cup and smiled. "This really is quite good. I hope we'll have time for a second one. So why did you never tell me this?" "Lane stopped talking to me, because, well, because...you know that stupid tradition we used to have, where the soccer team would beat up on someone as a hazing ritual?" "No," she said. "That's horrible." "Yeah, well, Lane was the one they picked. And, umm, I helped." Finn was looking down at the table. "That's awful!" She put down her cup. "Finn you absolute idiot!" Lane interrupted. "It was a long time ago. Anyway, it's never happened again, because Finn put a stop to it. We just figured we should tell you. And listen, this morning, I know Finn sent you out of the room, and I'm sorry, but I needed to talk to him because we're—" "Yes, best friends, and you just got outed against your will," she said. She took another sip of her coffee. "Finn? Are you okay?" His head was still down. He was staring at the table, into his coffee. Lane flinched as Victoria put her hand on Finn's back and rubbed it. He flinched because he wanted to be the one to do that; to comfort Finn. Lane cleared his throat. Finn looked up. "I'm sorry," Finn said. "I should have told you. And Lane, I never should have—" "It's in the past; we've been over this a million times. Don't worry about it. Victoria, listen, I have something for you." Lane took out Ellis' student card from his pocket and handed it over to her. She crossed her eyebrows as she took it from him and studied it. After a few moments, she was wearing a smile of recognition. She handed it back to Lane. "He's beating both of us," Lane said to Finn. "We didn't know who it was, but this is the student number that's got the highest GPA at the moment." "Oh," Finn said. He understood, but he did not seem to care. He took a sip of his coffee. "How did you figure it out?" Victoria said. "The way you suggested," Lane said, smiling. "I flirted with everyone until I figured out their student numbers." "Very funny." "Victoria, listen. I need you to do something for me. Ellis isn't out, and—" "Say no more, I won't tell anyone. But seriously, how did you figure this out?" "Honestly, I completely forgot about the whole thing until this morning. I wanted to do something nice for you, and I remembered this. I know Ellis is smart enough to be one of the people it could be, so I checked." "Finn," Victoria said. "He's a good best friend to have. And Lane? Ellis is your problem. Get him off the top of this fucking list." "How do you expect me to do that?" Lane said. "Distract him," she said, a big smile on her face. "I'm sure you'll figure out a way." She took another sip of her coffee, then called the waiter over to order a second round. -- Finn drove back after they picked up the steaks, and Lane ran inside, straight to the kitchen, to rescue Ellis. He found Ellis with his parents, not in the kitchen, but at the dining table with empty coffee cups, talking. "Umm, hey guys," Lane said. He held up the bag with the steaks. "Ellis, are you okay?" "Lane, honey, of course he's okay," Sally said. Ellis smiled and nodded. "Of course he is," Lane said. "Ellis, could I—" "Yes, Lane," James said. "You can take him." Ellis stood up and followed Lane out of the room. They walked up to the bedroom and Lane shut the door. He threw his arms around Ellis, holding him tight. "Thank you," Lane said. Ellis laughed and hugged him back. "For what?" "For, you know, pretending. And for letting them—" "Lane, I wasn't pretending. Look, I know we aren't exactly together. But we were, and we are for the weekend right? I promise, they didn't give me a hard time at all. We were just talking." "Right. But Ellis, I know you aren't out. Finn already knows. We talked to Victoria and she isn't going to say anything. I'm going to talk to Taylor, and Jessica, and—" "Lane, it's okay, really. I'm going to tell my parents. I don't even know why I haven't until now." "Oh. I'm still sorry that this kind of got forced on you." "Don't be. I'm glad it did Lane. And if it had to be with anyone, I'm glad it was you." Lane blushed. They walked out to the lake together. Ellis dove in, but Lane stayed out, gesturing for Taylor to step out. "Bro, what the hell?" Taylor said. "How come you never told me?" "Listen, Taylor, I'm sorry, I—" "Sorry? This is awesome! You're not a weirdo anymore. You're dating the best player on the team! Well, aside from Finn." "I think he's actually a little better than—it doesn't matter. So you're cool?" "Of course I'm cool," Taylor said. Suddenly and without warning, he threw his arms tightly around his big brother. It was just for a few moments, but it made Lane's breath catch in his throat. "So you coming in?" Taylor said. "Yeah. In a few minutes." Lane ran back upstairs, now that Ellis was safely in the water, and replaced his student card. He went back to his own bedroom to fire up his laptop. He sent an email to Keith: Keith, don't bet on next week's game—Ellis' arm is fine and he's playing. Don't worry about how I know. Come see me at the house tomorrow afternoon and I'll fill you in. I'm out of town right now. Will let you know when I'm back.