But I Do

Chapter 6

Chapter 6.

“There’s no way you can do it,” Adam laughed, in awe of the bassist eyeing the bowl of hot sauce in front of him.

“No! Dude, don’t say that, he takes it as a challenge!” Hayley cried, clinging to Adam’s arm and laughing. The 5 were seated around a table in the back of the restaurant. Lights sat across from Adam, who sat next to Hayley, who was across from Taylor. Jeremy was next to Hayley and Taylor, at the head of the table. He was examining the bowl of hot sauce carefully. “Remember the time you drank that whole bottle?” Taylor had said after tasting it. Jeremy immediately got the idea in his head. “I wonder…” He’d mused thoughtfully, which was what had provoked Adam’s exclamation. He raised the bowl to his lips, pausing for a moment.

“I hope none of you wanted any of this,” He grinned. The rest of the table was silent as he raised it to his lips once more, and as he began gulping they erupted in a mix of encouraging cheers and disgusted cries. He tipped the bowl up to his nose and slurps were audible. With one final sip, he slammed the bowl down to the table, wiping his mouth and reaching for his water. A slow clap was extracted from the group, starting with Adam who was less used to Jeremy’s antics. While he spent a great deal of time with the band, (what with being their manager and all,) things still continued to surprise him.

They’d just about finished their meal and were waiting for the check when Jeremy let out a killer burp that must’ve burned with the fire of a thousand suns. He made intense eye contact with Adam, as if challenging him to a duel.

“What, are we really gonna do this?” Adam laughed, but nevertheless accepted the invitation.

“Do what?” Taylor inquired, looking to him curiously. Adam just took a swig of soda, though, holding up a hand keeping everyone’s conversation at bay. He closed his eyes. A belch erupted from his gut, drawing stares from a table across the open room. Hayley couldn’t suppress her laughter or competitive spirit, along with Taylor and Lights.

“My turn,” Lights declared, downing the last of her Sprite. She let loose a burp even more impressive than Adam’s, blowing him and Jeremy completely out of the water. Hayley, as rattled as she was, was impressed and couldn’t hold back a “Damn.” Taylor was next. He shook his head, knowing there was no way he could possibly compare. He’d always been bad at burping. He tried and tried and actually couldn’t even get one. Everyone laughed as he buried his head in his hands in disgrace.

“Nnnnoooooo,” He cried, though it was muffled by his sleeves. He emerged from his shame though, to watch Hayley, the final contender. She took a calm sip of her soda and casually counted down from 3 on her fingers. Perfectly timed on the last count, she let loose a quite impressive burp. It wasn’t the volume of it, but the duration. Everyone’s eyes went wide as it lasted for at least 6 seconds.

“Well,” Taylor said as she finished, “Looks like Hayley and Lights are our finalists tonight.” Hayley grinned at Lights despite herself, ready for the challenge. Lights reached for Taylor’s drink, having finished hers. With another sip she caught a dirty look from an employee across the room. She smirked, looking back to Hayley with a mischievous grin. Hayley shook her head, smiling and taking another sip of her drink, more than before. Just as she was about to make her move, she was interrupted by the manager who was standing next to Jeremy looking not so pleased.

“I’m going to have to-” He was interrupted by Hayley, belching even louder than Lights had. Lights struggled to suppress her giggles, triggering laughter from the guys as well. The manager closed his eyes when they were done, sighing loudly, not afraid to hide his contempt for the table.

“I’m going to have to ask you all to leave,” He repeated firmly, as two burly employees appeared at his sides, ready to use force if necessary. Jeremy put up his hands in surrender.