We Always Knew

Chapter One

Philadelphia

3:00pm

On a Sunday

Dennis walked into Paddy's. It was dark and empty.

Groaning he switched on the lights and turned on the open sign.

Where the hell are those guys.

The bar doesn't have a set open time but you would think at least one of them would be here by now.

Dennis goes around wiping tables, and counters as he hears the door open and Charlie and Frank barge in.

"Come on man! I know you have the money for it!" Charlie squeals at Frank.

"I said no Charlie!" Frank yells back.

"Why not?!

"What the hell are you guys going on about?" Dennis asked.

"Charlie wants to rent an RV and take another road trip," Frank informed him.

"Another road trip?" Dennis laughed. "We didn't even make it out of Philly last time,"

"Exactly dude! I still want to see the Grand Canyon,"

"Charlie, do you even know what state the Grand Canyon is?" Frank asked massaging his temples.

"Yeah I do," Charlie stated

"Where is it then?"

"How do I know you know where it is?"

"What?" Frank asked.

"What if you don't know where it is?"

Dennis sighed.

"It's in fucking Arizona. You two are ridiculous!" he snapped.

Dee strolls in through the door.

"What's up, boners!" she said walking towards the back office.

"Pack up Dee! We're going on a road trip," Charlie called to her.

"No, we are not!" Frank yelled.

"I'm not going anywhere with you guys. Remember last time? When my new car was stolen!"

"What are you talkin' about Deandra?" Frank asked.

"Yeah Dee, I don't remember that,"

"Me neither," Dennis agrees not looking up from his phone.

"Wha-What? Are you guys serious?! That dumb kid we picked up stole my car!" she squawks.

"Doesn't ring a bell," Charlie shrugs.

"I don't recall that Deandra,"

"Whatever!" she snapped.

"Hey, any of you guys heard from Mac?" Dennis asked.

"No,"

"Nope,"

"Nah,"

"Well. He wasn't at the apartment when I woke up and he's not answering my texts," Dennis stated with worry present in his voice.

"So?" Dee asked.

"We always check in with each other," Dennis stated.

"He's a grow-ass man. And so are you. Why does he check in with you like you're his mama?!" Frank questions.

"Because! They're gay with each other," Dee said expecting a laugh.

"Shut up, Dee," Dennis replied coldly.