Burnouts

Secrets, Lies, and a Tasty Surprise

Scene 1: Madison Street (Zach's Apartment)

Zach Teeling

"Mom said I could invite a friend over if you're okay with it-"

"Goodbye," Peyton heads toward the door.

"Wait, you're leaving? I already invited him..."

"I don't care, move," she pushes me back and closes the door.

"I didn't want you here, anyway!" I shout on the off chance that she might hear me.

I'm still not sure what to do when I have a guy...who isn't just a friend...come to my house.

And it's not something I can ask anyone about. Just from overhearing conversations, I know that when most guys have someone they like over their house, it simply leads to sex. Every time. And if it doesn't, it's considered a waste.

I don't really...want to do that. Not yet. But Aaron is older, out— and experienced. I don't want to be a disappointment.

I grab a plate out of the cabinet and set it on the counter.

No sex. Just sandwiches.

I untie the bread and grab as much as I can in one go.

I slap a scoop of peanut butter on a few pieces and spread jelly on some more.

We usually have lunch meat, but my mom hasn't gone shopping in a while.

By the time I'm done, I've used 12 slices of bread...just enough to make her mad.

Someone knocks to the tune of "Shave and a haircut," and my gut tells me it's Aaron.

People who come here for Peyton usually have her wait outside so they don't have to get out of their cars.

"Hey," Aaron smiles when I open the door.

I wonder if I should hug him...

"Come in."

"Nice place."

"Thanks, it's my mom's." He chuckles. "Are you hungry? I made PB&Js." I lead him toward the kitchen.

"And they look great."

Yes, I refrain from stress eating and instead engage in stress food preparation. What a catch I am.

"We've got lemonade too. I'll pour you a glass...unless you're allergic to lemons or something."

"I'm not."

"That's good because I already had a cup. You were going into anaphylactic shock one way or another."

"Zach, are you nervous?"

I let out a shaky breath, "you can tell?"

He nods with a smile, "what's up?"

"I don't know. I've only ever had one guy I liked come over. I feel like I'm doing everything wrong."

"Well, how'd it go that time?"