“That’s not what I meant,” I say, stabbing at the keys on the register with too much force and having to delete the wrong info and reenter everything all over again.

I read the total to Meg, who passes me cash, and I put the suit in a small paper shopping bag.

“Listen, I get off at eight thirty for real. Can I take you for ice cream? It’s right down the street.”

I assume she’s going to say no, but she surprises me. “Sure. It’s not like I know anyone else here, so you’re as good as anyone.” She takes the bag, pulling it over her elbow.

“It was nice to meet you, Duke. See you at eight thirty, Micah.”

“Hey!” I say, stopping her as she’s about to walk out. “I’m as good as anyone for what?”

“To be my first friend in town.”

5

Meg

After leaving the sporting goods store, I drop off my new suit in my hotel room. I’m tempted to put it on right away, but I don’t have the time or inclination to go swimming before I’m supposed to meet Micah.

Locking my room behind me, I feel my lips spread into a smile. Micah. My new friend. I know lots of people have friends. Like, kids learn how to make friends in elementary school. But the thing is, I didn’t. Not really. I practically forced Vada to be my friend in the way only a four-year-old can, and later inherited Luke, Cullen, and Zack through her.

Micah is my first grown-up friend.

It was remarkably easy to make a friend, to be honest. I don’t know what all the fuss is about.

I squint at the sun, still high in the sky despite it being after seven, and slide my sunglasses on. I glance up and down Third Street, trying to decide where to spend my next hour. I could get dinner. I’m definitely hungry, but a little unsure. What to eat? I can literally eat anything I want, as much or as little as I want, and no one can tell me no. I could eat specialty caramel popcorn and spicy shrimp with a Dr. Pepper. It doesn’t matter if it’s late in the day for caffeine and I won’t sleep well. It doesn’t matter if the shrimp isn’t locally sourced. It doesn’t matter if I eat while wearing my two-piece bathing suit in front of a boy.

The sheer freedom makes me giddy.