recognized. I went to the fridge and grabbed a beer for Joshua, and one for me. When I got back to Joshua he was standing there with that Neil kid and his friend. All right, now’s the time to find out what the hell happened at the mall. I handed the beers to Joshua and then I walked over and stood right in front of Neil.
“You’re name is Neil?” He nodded.
“Neil, what the hell was that at the mall? Where did you go?” I swear he’d better not have turned me in. Neil didn’t look afraid of me. What’s with that?
“What do you mean where did I go? I got the hell out of there. Then I took the shoes back to Shoe Barn.” What then?
“Then what? You took them back, then did you rat me out? Did you call the cops, or talk to mall security?” This Neil kid was gonna be sorry if he turned me in. Hey, he still doesn’t look afraid.
“I swear to you I didn’t talk to the cops or security. You can ask Mitch.” He gestured to his friend.
“What did you do then?” Neil took a step forward. He was now in my personal space.
“I put the shoes on hold. I paid fifty bucks and put them on hold. Here’s my thought. Tomorrow, you can give me the rest of the money for the shoes. I will go to the Shoe Barn and get them.” Why the hell would he do that?
“You did what? I don’t understand.” I know I scared the crap out of him this morning. Why would he do that?
“See, here’s the thing. I know we had a scuffle of sorts this morning, but I saw you running through the food court and it dawned on me. I have this one chance to help you out. I know you could’ve beaten me senseless this morning, but you didn’t. I appreciated that.” Is this kid for real? Who does that kind of thing? I took a step back.
“Look, Neil. I want to apologize to you. I shouldn’t have messed with you this morning. Sometimes I let my reputation rule me. I will make sure I get you the rest of the money for the shoes. In the meantime, let me get you and your friend, what’s your name?” I didn’t catch his friend’s name.
“Mitch.”
“Mitch, here, a beer. This is a party after all.”
The party was now in full swing. Music was thumping through the house speakers. People were dancing, laughing, drinking, and making merry all over. Joshua and Tina had found a corner and resumed their usual activities. I was having a beer with Neil and Mitch. You know Joshua might be right. This party is starting to have epic potential.
Saving Dennis Page 2