chapter 3

Dani watched as Geoff wrapped his arm around Josh’s shoulders, pointing at the menu.


“It’s so funny coming here,” Bree spoke softly, leaning in towards Dani, “it’s like coming to a playground for him. I guarantee he’s telling Josh what he should order, what he should stay away from, what he remembers about this beer and that beer, blah blah blah. Whatever he tells you to get, order about half. He turns into a garbage disposal when he comes here. It’s freaking hilarious.”


“Oh God, no! I love it. I need to know what all my options are. He’s a man of great taste.” she laughed, pushing Bree’s shoulder.


“Babe,” Geoff shouted across the table, “gonna just get you the usual?”


“Trust.” Bree sarcastically raised both hands in the shape of a heart


The four made their orders and again clinked glasses once their beers arrived.


“Dude, holy shit,” Josh exclaimed, putting his glass down, “you weren’t kidding. This is amazing.”


“Yeah, I’ve become a real slut for hazies. I should probably try to stick to Mich Ultras but it’s just not worth it when you know how shit like this tastes.”


“I’m gonna feel pregnant after one of these.” Dani laughed as she put her beer down.


“I have to try to make sure I keep plenty of wine in the house,” Bree noted, “because I am the same way. G can pound these, but I have two and it ruins my week. I blow up like a blimp.”


“You two are just babies. Drink up! It’ll put hair on your chest.” Geoff quipped as he took another swig.

---

“Ugh, I might sleep until noon tomorrow.” Dani moaned as she plopped into the back seat. “Geoff, I have no idea how you eat there once a week. I feel like I could roll home.”


“That was incredible though, dude. Thanks for taking us.” Josh added.


“Well you better rest up, we got brunch at noon tomorrow and a long day in the sun after. No time for your belly-aching.” Geoff laughed.


The four spoke about their plans for the week as the car moseyed along the warm residential tree-lined streets. Dani zoned out of the conversation as she watched the silhouettes of trees seemingly sprint by in the orange glow of the setting sun. She rolled down the window and felt the warm air rush between her fingers as she stuck her hand out the window. Her hair danced in her face and she felt the stress leak from her body. She sank deeper into her seat and took a deep breath.


Before she knew it, the car slowed and turned into a driveway. They were finally at the apartment they rented for the week. The four hugged and confirmed plans for the next day, and Geoff and Bree drove away.


Dani groaned as she flopped onto the bed. “I am exhausted.” she lamented.


“Me too,” Josh agreed, taking off his shoes. “We should both take a shower and get under the covers. It’s gonna be a crazy week.”


“Josh, I can’t eat like that all week,” Dani laughed, “that was insane.”


“Yeah, what’s the deal with that? Geoff eats like a bear all of the sudden?”


“I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed. He’s kinda starting to look like it, too.”


“Wow,” Josh laughed, surprised, “you cannot mention that to Bree.” he continued, rolling over to face Dani. “Maybe Bree hasn’t noticed like we have, but she’s definitely going to bring it up to Geoff if we say anything.”


“I’ll probably just get an appetizer or something at brunch tomorrow, can’t imagine I’ll be hungry by then.”


“I mean, you know, babe--we are on vacation. It’s okay to enjoy yourself a little bit.”


“I mean I’m definitely enjoying it, I just can’t enjoy it when it’s too much. I can’t believe Geoff got a fifth taco. He’s an animal.”


“Not that big of a deal, babe. Maybe he was just hungry.”


“And did you notice those snacks at their house were already opened?” Dani asked.


“Holy shit, I knew you’d notice that too,” Josh laughed. “That kid’s gonna get chonk if he doesn’t watch it.” he trailed as he headed into the bathroom.