SHAY asked as we walked out of Big Ideas. “Outlining this essay.” I tapped my notebook. “I’m starting to fall behind because of . . . everything.” “Can I come over?” he asked, holding up his full page of notes. “We could do it together.” “I don’t think it would be a great idea for you to be at my house.” “Why not?” He held my books while I opened my locker. “My mother wouldn’t like it.” “But I’m such a nice boy.” “That doesn’t—ouch!” Ansel had nailed me in the back with a soccer ball. “Score!” I grabbed a water bottle from my locker, squirting him in the face. “Good comeback.” He grinned, wiping his face. “But you shouldn’t shoot the messenger.” “You’re still breathing,” I said. “What’s the message?” “Nev’s playing at the Burnout tonight. He asked us to come.” “What’s the Burnout?” Shay asked. “It’s a bar just west of town.” I slipped on my jacket. “More of a shack than a bar, really.” “Come on, Cal.
