551 V2 ch23 (2/2)

”We'll go with the 7:30pm show then.” Zeke made the executive decision. ”We'll eat at the food court around 6pm and then come here afterwards.” He stepped up. ”I'll buy the tickets now just in case they sell out.” He went to the ticket window.

Dave nodded in satisfaction, then looked at me and Noah. ”And just where do you two plan on getting that girl's gift from?”

Noah scratched his cheek. ”We'll probably just look around. You and Zeke can do your own thing.”

Dave chuckled. ”No way, kiddo. I'll be watching all of you. Mom said to stick together.”

Noah frowned. ”Okay. If that's what you want to do.”

Zeke came back with the purchased tickets. He put them in his wallet and looked at us. ”Where to first?”

Noah shrugged. ”I guess we should just look around? Walk in the girl shops?”

Zeke nodded. ”Alright.”

Noah led the way, going in one girl like store to the next. I felt kind of embarrassed by the looks we were getting, however I wasn't alone. Dave was also shifting around uncomfortable with all the attention we were getting. Every time we entered a new store, a worker would approached us and ask who we were shopping for.

When Zeke suggested we take a break, Dave agreed immediately.

He collapsed on a bench near an indoor fountain. ”This is so exhausting. Can't you just pick something already?”

”No one asked you to come in every store.” Noah grumbled. ”It's not like I know what to get a girl. Have you ever bought a girl a birthday present?”

Dave sighed. ”I say you should just get a gift card.”

”That's so impersonal.” Noah thought for a minute. He spotted a store nearby. ”I've got an idea. I want to go in there and take a look. Are you guys staying here or coming with?”

Zeke handed his wallet over. ”Jake and I will wait here.”

I smiled, thankful that Zeke didn't make me go. I really needed some time to decompress. I relaxed in my chair, happy to know it's break time.

Dave glanced at us, then at the store Noah was talking about. He waved his hand around lazily. ”Go ahead. I'll wait here with Zeke and Jake.”

Noah grinned. He winked at me, out of Dave's view. ”I'll be back.” He turned and walked away.

”I can't believe you guys are actually going to a party.” Dave told me. ”Are you guys going to hide out like last time?”

I shrugged. I was in a better place than last time. Plus... ”Alisha is nice. And she said it's only people in our grade.” I frowned. ”It's a pool party though. So I'm kind of scared.”

Zeke knew of my scars, whereas Dave had actually seen them.

Dave say up on the bench. ”You don't have to go swimming just because it's a pool party. Just chill near the food.”

I nodded. ”That's what Noah said.”

Dave rolled his eyes. ”I bet he said that more for himself than for you. That foodie...I bet he stuffs his face with sweets the whole time. Cake, cupcakes, cookies, anything with sugar and he'll probably scarf it down.” He shook his head. ”I hope this softball thing gets him to burn all these calories.”

”No worries there.” Zeke spoke up. ”I'll practice with Noah and Jake this summer until the Stanford camp.”

I audibly gulped. Can't wait.