pieces | ethma

SNEAK PEEK 2/3

"Closer to Fine"
Grayson Dolan/Original Character
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Grayson

I knew she wasn't from this side of town from the second she walked into the pizza shop. Her eyes scanning the menu as if she'd never seen it before.

We're the smallest, but best pizza on this side of town, so she would've known her order already if she was from here.

She was friendly as I took her order. Giving me a smile as I told her that her food and her soda would be right out.

She seemed to be in her own world, but I liked that.

My little sister Parker about died when she saw that we had a new customer who was close to her age. She immediately made me give her the complementary garlic knots we give to new customers, and she sat by the girl.

The shop doesn't get too busy in between 3 and 5, so it was quiet. Just the girl and my sister chatting it up.

Parker loved getting to know the customers. She didn't even work at our family's pizzeria, but she was always talking to someone around the shop. Sometimes I wish I had her confidence.

When the girl was done eating, Parker got up with her before notifying me that the girl was going to give her a ride home.

"Gray, Riley's gonna take me home," she said.

"Okay. See you at home, Parks. Nice to meet you, Riley."

"Nice to meet you too," Riley said as she walked out of the shop with Parker.

I could tell they'd be fast friends.

Parker was telling me all about Riley while I was trying to do my homework. She told me about how Riley was new to our high school, and how she was a junior just like Parker.

Parker told me that she was going to introduce Riley to our group of friends, and I actually didn't mind the idea. Our friends are like family to us, and more was always merrier. Anybody that Parker and I bring in, they welcome with open arms.

It's a great group of people.

After my homework was finished, I ate a quick dinner of leftover pizza, took a shower, and brushed my teeth.

I was pretty tired, so I just went to sleep.

I couldn't wait for the next day. I was lined up to interview at Halstead University, and it was the next step to admissions. Halstead U had been my dream school since I was a kid—I'd still live at home and work while I was in college, so that I could afford it.

Although our pizza place was pretty successful, our family didn't have much money. My mother died when Parker and I were young, and my dad works his ass off to provide for us.

I try to help him out as much as I can by paying for my own car, plus gas and insurance, and by never asking for money. All of the money I use to buy food or when I'm hanging out with my friends is my own hard-earned cash.

Starside High also has a program where students can take college courses while they are in high school for free. It's going to save me a lot of money in the long run, and I've already gotten 12 college credits under my belt.

That's almost a full year of credits so far, and that was just from my junior year of high school.

To put it lightly, I'm busy all the time. School, work, more school. Homework. I'm shocked I ever have time to hang out with my friends, but I somehow make it work.

If someone wants to hang out with you, I can promise they will find time to. If I can, anyone can.

"Dolan, why are you even here so early? You don't even have a first period," my friend Ben asked me.

"I had to bring Parks to school, and I'm not trying to waste my gas. I filled up my tank last night after work."

"What a man," my best friend Ethan said. "You're killing it, Gray."

"Thanks, E. Stay out of trouble, got it?"

Ethan nodded. "You keep me from wreaking havoc."

"I know. That's why we're such perfect best friends. You liven me up, and I keep you from getting thrown in the slammer."

"Speaking of the slammer, you know that girl Daisy Schmidt? I slammed her last night."

"Ethan, it's too early for your dumb euphemisms. We get it. You fucked," Ben said.

"You're just jealous because you're stuck in a relationship," Ethan told him.

"E, get to class," I said.

"Thanks, Dad," Ethan said, getting up and walking out of the cafeteria. Ben and I laughed.

"He's such an idiot," I laughed.

"I really think that you do keep him out of the slammer," Ben said.

"Eh, he's got a good soul. He just doesn't always make the best decisions."

"You coming to the show this weekend?"

"Ah, I don't know. I have a project due for one of my classes at the college. We'll see if I can get it done before the show."

"Man, you're always working your ass off. Take care of yourself. It's senior year. Take a break for a few minutes and live in it. We only get this year once. I want you to have a good time."

"Thanks, Ben," I said. "I'll try my best to be there, okay?"

"You got it, man. Let me know if you need me to get you a ticket."

"I will," I said as he patted me on the back and left.

I reached into my backpack, grabbing a text book and my notebook. I was done with all of my high school assignments for the week, but I still had some college homework left over.

I guess you could say I'm a borderline workaholic. It's all I ever seem to do anymore.

Either way, I think it's what I'm supposed to be doing.