Between The Books-Michael Clifford

Forty

We walk into Marcus's house to Scutter shouting. Michael closes the door behind us and I see Marcus sitting at the kitchen island with Laney on his lap. I raise an eyebrow at Laney and walk over to them. Toby and Becca are in the kitchen, leaning up against the counter eating something out of those paper Chinese take out boxes.

"Scutter's pissed because Synna got a ride over here with Parker. He's the guy they were fighting about the other night, who Scutter was pissed at for flirting with her." Laney says quietly.

"If this guy means nothing to you, why the FUCK you always FUCKING hangin' all over him, Synna?!" Scutter yells. He's standing by the pool table, holding his stick like he could break it in half.

I realize this is an intense moment...but that's hot.

Synna puts her stick on the table and walks away, into the kitchen. Becca and Toby quickly move out of her way and come over to our side of the island. Toby squeezes in between Laney and I.

"Sup, Star? How'd you do yesterday?" He says smiling.

I love him. Toby is my favorite person...other then Michael.

"Oh my God, Toby. No joke, your omelet worked! I felt so much better after I..."

"Why you not sayin' anything?! Is that because you know I'm right?! You like this guy or WHAT THE FUCK?!" Scutter storms in after her.

This isn't awkward or anything. Like being right in the middle of someone else's flip out. Who wants to miss out on that? Um, everybody.

Synna opens the fridge and pulls out a beer. "I don't want to talk about this Anymore. You're being ridiculous."

Awesome. More alcohol. That'll make it better. I look at Michael. He walks around to the other side where Synna has the fridge still open.

"Hey, you wanna pass me two of those, Synna?" He says.

"Make that three, Synna." Marcus says, from behind me.

"Yeah I'm sure you don't." Scutter says, quietly. Almost so low it isn't heard. He runs his hand through his hair. Are his hands shaking? He turns around and grabs a bottle of something off the counter and opens it, taking a long pull. Looks like Jack Daniels.

"Why'd you even come over here tonight, Synna? Why didn't you just stay with Parker? CLEARLY he was your first choice today."

Toby leans over. "Jayce don't drink, at least not often. Something's way off tonight." He says into my ear.

"Is he like this all the time...this jealous? I mean this guy's just a friend from class, right?" I whisper back.

"Hey. What you guys talkin' about?" Marcus smiles, squeezing between us with Laney.

"Star, your hair looks so cute tonight! How's Jax?" Laney says.

"Passed out with Nate in their room...and thanks girl!" I flash a goofy smile at her.

"No." Toby continues. "Thing is, Scutter's not the jealous type. He and Synna have been together forever. I don't know what the fuck he's doing' tonight." Toby says.

"I do." Marcus says.

Synna hands Michael three bottles, and catches sight of me. "Oh hey, Star! Don't mind Jayce. He's got a fucking STICK up his ass about Parker."

"Yeah, that's right. I'M the problem. I'm not the one who showed up THREE HOURS LATE because I was spending the day with another FUCKING GUY!"

"Fuck you, Scutter! I can have other friends. You don't CONTROL me!" Synna walks past Scutter back into the living room.