The Secret (Boston's Best 1)

Chapter Fifteen

Matt

"Bro, we really need to finalize the paperwork for the house if we really want it," Darius shouts at me over the music and noise.

"Yeah, listen I was thinking about that–"

I get cut off by Alex, "No. I know you're worried about how I'll be able to pay the rent and I appreciate you looking out for me but this is the only way for all four of us to get to see each other at all."

I try to deflect, "Nah dude it's not that."

"It is though, and I appreciate it. I really do. But I've gotten into Tufts on scholarship, I think I can manage to get rent in on time. Besides, y'all are going to BC and it's gonna be hectic. We have this house in Cambridge which is halfway between both schools and it's a decent area."

Felix takes a chug of his drink. "All we need to do is put in the paperwork and get first and last month's rent and it's ours."

I look at Alex. "You sure?"

He rolls his eyes, "Yes. Obviously."

"Okay then. I'll go and call the realtor now."

"Now?" Felix checks his phone, "It's 10:30 on a Friday night. He is not gonna pick up that phone, amigo."

"Right. I'll still leave a message though."

I make my way through the crowd and out the front door. Fewer people are out front, mostly stoners at the firepit –probably not too good of an idea– and sit on one of the chairs on the front porch.

I pull out my phone and text our realtor, Max Grant.

Me: Hey, Max. Just give me a call back when you can. The guys and I want to go through with the sale.

Max is helping me sell a few of my parent's properties too. I'm only 18. I don't need 7 estates throughout the States, 2 in Ireland, and 10 more globally. I am keeping a few though, you never know when you're gonna be somewhere.

I stay outside for another few minutes just collecting my breath. I hate that I can't just drink through this night and forget it by the morning. But no, I am the designated driver for the night.

Every party since sophomore year when we could all drive we've taken turns –and never skipped out on a turn– it's important to always be able to trust that someone is there to make sure you get home safe.

And no amount of alcohol is worth getting arrested for drunk driving or god forbid getting in an accident and endangering all of your friends, so yeah we all take it pretty seriously.

I walk back into the house and look around for my friends until I stop when I look up and see Alex and Maddie talking and laughing at the bannister at the top of the stairs.

The party started over an hour ago and this is the first time that I've seen her. She looks stunning. Her long hair runs down her back and her legs look even longer than usual in the heels she has on and her smile is shining –her smile that is only shining because of Alex. Because Alex is talking and laughing and more than likely flirting with her and probably likes her. And he is my best friend and probably likes her.

I really fucking wish I could drink right now.

I walk into the games room and find Felix sitting on the sofa playing a video game. He has girls trying to flirt with him from every angle, it's actually hilarious at this point. He's come out to the whole school like 5 times at this point but the girls just don't get the hint.

He fist-bumps me as I sit down beside him, "Sup." He says not looking away from the screen.

I grab the other remote, "D'you mind?"

He shrugs and we both spend the rest of our night chilling there.