“A bro shalt not make fun of,” said Paul, “the sexual or gender orientation of other bros. The consequence of such an assumption results in that bro buying the other bros the dinner of their choice.”

“It can get very expensive,” said Austin.

“Thanks, guys,” said Jeff. “We won’t let you down.”

“You’d better freaking not, Karvotsky,” said Carter, “or we’ll come for you.”

I caught Austin’s eye and he smirked. Both of us suppressing the urge to say that’s what she said. Which, as we’d discussed, violated rule 18.

The guys immersed themselves in the treasure we’d bestowed upon them.

“Bye, high school,” said Austin.

Carter laughed. “Good.”

Austin shuffled his feet as the bittersweetness started to settle in. “We’re still gonna . . .” he said.

“’Course,” said Carter.

“Carter already bought an extra sleeping bag for our room,” I said. “We’re expecting you to come visit like every weekend, man.”

“Nice.” Austin looked at me. Then Carter. “Those cannonballs aren’t gonna explode themselves.”

“Lezzgo,” said Carter. They ran back to the out-of-control pool. I chased after them, but also tried to slow everything down and soak in the last memories I’d have of high school.

“Hey, Maguire!” someone called as I made it back to the edge of the pool.

Eliza held one of Carter’s massive Super Soakers. “Any last words?”

I tapped my chin, pretending to think about it. “I think you know already, O’Connor. Something about remembering me being eighty—”

She cut me off by pulling the trigger and jetting water, video-game style, like I’d taught her.

It stung as it hit my stomach. “Oof,” I said.

“Are you okay?”

“Why don’t you come here and see?”

“Are you going to push me in the pool?”

“Nah,” I grinned. “That doesn’t sound like me.”

Eliza dropped the gun and tiptoed across the pool deck. It took her a few seconds as she had to weave around guys punching a volleyball and girls lounging on the deck. “You look fine,” she said.

“Don’t you forget it.”

“Shut—” she began to say, until I leaped off the edge of the pool and pulled her in with me.

The Bro Code

By Austin Banks, Nick Maguire, and Carter O’Connor—the OBs

Rule Number 1: Bros* before hoes**

*A bro is any dude, chick, they, or robot in a bro’s circle of friends.

**A hoe is any dude, chick, they, or robot who is toxic, disingenuous, or only wants to be around you for attention.

Rule Number 2: A bro shalt love barbecues.

Rule Number 3: A bro shalt always honor a high five, low five, fist bump, chest bump, knuckle knock, and so on.

Rule Number 4: A bro shalt not gloat about winning, their team winning, or their bro winning . . . after the weekend is over.

Rule Number 5: A bro shalt accept the outcome of rock-paper-scissors.

Rule Number 6: A bro shalt chew with their mouth closed.

Rule Number 7: A bro shalt treat their mother like a queen.