Chapter Three

“I’ve…um…I’m going,” said Kenny, practically shoving the papers into Alex’s hands, while heading in the direction of the bathrooms.

“Is he okay?”

“Yeah,” said Jake, “He really had to go,” he explained.

“Oh,” said Alex, giving one last glance back in Kenny’s direction before turning her attention back to Jake and Randy.

“Would you like to join us?” asked Jake after a few awkward seconds had passed.

“Oh no…I mean, well, I was just standing here because your friend,” she stopped momentarily, to motion to Randy, more importantly to motion to the piece of paper Randy was holding which she retrieved but has since been paralyzed once she realized who it belonged to, “still has my…”

“Oh shit,” said Jake, stridently, removing the paper from Randy’s death grip, “Randy. Give the nice lady her paper back.”

“Alex,”

“Excuse me?” said Jake.

“My name…Alex. Alex Owens,” she said, flashing a brilliant smile.

“It’s nice to meet you Alex,” said Jake, returning the paper and shaking her hand. “My name’s Jake and this here is…”

“Randy…Randy Dean,” said Randy, finally managing to breathe.

“Randy Dean,” repeated Alex. “Is that like in James Dean?”

“Exactly,” said Randy, smiling.

“Well Alex,” started Jake, “the offer to join us still stands if you’re interested?”

“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” said Alex.

“You wouldn’t be,” assured Jake.

“Join us,” added Randy, “Please?”

“What the hell?” said Alex, eagerly sitting in the empty seat next to Randy.