Chapter Seven
“Man, Kris is gonna KILL me!” Kevin groaned, surveying the yard. Burgers and buns were strewn across the grass, and five of the six friends were covered with condiments.
“When is she coming home?” Kara asked.
“Next week- for Christmas. Then she’s back out to Hell-A.”
“Same with Leigh.”
“You three.” AJ indicated the cousins. “Are downright SCARY!” He shook his head. “And I call you friends!”
“Hey- you hang out with them by choice!” Kara pointed out. “I, on the other hand, was born into the insanity.”
“Good point.” AJ conceded. “You and Bri aren’t so bad, but Kevin…” Nick grinned.
“Those eyebrows of yours are enough to strike fear in the bravest of hearts, even without pickle relish adorning them.” He ducked, avoiding the stream of mustard sent his way in retaliation.
“I’d hardly call you brave.” Brian gave a lopsided grin. “Considering you were hiding behind me the whole time we were near that cheetah!”
“ I was just trying to get a good view- OVER your head.”
“Should’ve stood behind Howie, then- he’s shorter than me!”
“Hey!” They turned at Howie’s protest.
“How did Jesus here get away without wearing any food?” AJ asked. Howie’s eyes widened, and he raised his hands in protest as they came closer.
“I’m the peacemaker, man- not to mention YOUR best friend.”
“And AS a friend, I say you should be involved in group activities. We wouldn’t want you feeling left out.” Kara raised an eyebrow. “Would we, guys?” Howie backed away as they continued toward him, weapons in hand.
“Kev, come on- talk some sense into them.” He pleaded. Kevin smiled, then picked up his mustard bottle.
“Solidarity, bro.” And with that, they attacked. When it was finished, Howie, too, was covered in condiments.
“Only you.” He remarked, glaring at AJ “Would use pickle relish as a weapon.”
“Yet you still love me.” AJ batted his eyelashes, and Howie cuffed him.
“Don’t push it, Aje.” Kara laughed.
“I thought you were the peacemaker, ‘D.”
“ Well, ‘Jay here’s an exception…” They all laughed at that one, then slowly began cleaning up their mess.
“So, Kara- how long are you in town for?” Nick asked her as he picked up a hamburger bun.
“Yeah- those two didn’t even tell us you were coming!” AJ remarked “What’s up with that?” He was usually the first to know she was coming.
“Well, it wasn’t exactly a planned visit.” She scrunched her nose “I’m not sure how long I’m staying.”
“Well, if you ever need to escape Eyebrows over there, you’re always welcome at my place.” AJ offered.
“Amanda broke up with you again, huh?” His brown eyes clouded for a moment, then cleared.
“Yeah. I think it’s for good this time, though.”
“Just like the other 50 times, right?” He glared at Nick.
“You’re one to talk. You and Mandy, Mandah, Willa- whatever the hellbrat’s calling herself now- did the same thing.” Nick clenched his fists.
“O-kayy” Kara intervened, knowing the exes were a VERY sore subject. “The point is, you two are free. So have FUN with it- go meet some girls!”
“Yeah- the more the merrier… so when you coming over?” AJ asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Brian chucked a tomato slice at him from a few feet away.
“Watch it, bro! That’s my baby cousin you’re talking about!” Kara sighed. There was that ‘baby’ word again. Would those two EVER see her differently?