Chapter 30: Fast-time Freddie's, Part 2

As I twirled, however, I saw DeMarcos standing by the bar watching me. He didn't seem to mind that I saw him staring, as if he didn't realize how creepy it was to do that—or maybe he did know.

After a few more songs, I returned to my table with my friends, who couldn't wait to tell me what I already knew.

"He's coming over here!" Bernice said in an excited whisper.

I looked up at him as he reached our table.

"Can I talk to you?" It was only half a question. It was more like "I'm going to talk to you and you can do it now, or you can do it later."

"About what?" I asked.

He gestured with his head for me to follow him.

"I'll be back," I sighed. They watched me with big eyes. "Don't drink those sodas! They've been left unattended. Toss them."

Bernice quickly gathered the cans of soda as if I was the boss of her. I didn't want to be the boss of anybody but my own self, but I was happy that she listened to me.