Currents: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World)

girls that are friends. You have your regulars and then the tourists.”
A bloom of hope explodes in my chest, but I shove it right the fuck down.
He chuckles. “Carson, if you want to try to get with her, I won’t be mad, but she’s not that type of girl. The one-night stand type. She’s so much more.”
“Dude, seriously? That girl is trouble. She’s materialistic and snobbish. She doesn’t care about anything except drinking and partying. I don’t need that in my life.”
“Is that why you’re so flushed right now? Because she’s not for you? Seems like you have the opposite problem, bro. And how would you know how she is? You’ve seen her three times and have been a dick to her all those times. You’ve never tried to get to know her.”
“I know girls like that. They lead to nothing but trouble.”
“Whatever you say, although I think you’d make an awesome couple. Cute little Carson babies.”
I hit him across his chest. He lets out an oomph but keeps laughing. There is no way I could consider being with that woman. She’s everything I ran away from. If she ever found out who I am, who my family is, it wouldn’t be real. It would be for the money.
“DUDE, I took all of your money. You need to work on your poker face.” Ashton gives me a playful shove on the way to the car.
“I did. No wait, you did.” My voice slurs the words. It’s like they don’t want to come out in the right order. I might have had too much to drink.
“Exactly. You are like reading a book, my friend.” The car beeps as he unlocks it, and we climb in. I lean my head back, relishing the comfort. I could fall asleep right here.
“Don’t you snooze on me. I’m ordering a late-night pizza with this victory money, and you are going to keep your word. Otherwise it’s cleaning the bathroom for the next three months.”
I groan and try to disappear into the leather seat. I hate cleaning. If there was one thing I could have kept from my past life, it’s Jordan, my housekeeper. She was the best. I never even had to pick up my clothes from the floor. God, I was a real douche.
“I’m not sure tonight is the night. Maybe we can hold off till tomorrow?” I’m trying to avoid this stupid bet I made as much as possible. Fucking whiskey.
“No way. This is happening tonight. In fact . . .” He leans over and presses a few buttons on the dashboard to call the pizzeria.
A girl picks up on the third ring. “Hey, Felicia! How you doing, girl?” Ashton’s voice is dripping with flirtation.
“Ashton? Is that you? What can I do for you?” She giggles. I imagine her twirling her hair as she waits for his next instructions.
“I know it’s almost closing time, but is there any way you could have a couple of pies ready for me?” His voice is filled with hope, but he already knows what she’s going to say.
“Sure, sugar. Your usual?” The beeping of her register sounds through the phone.
“Yes, ma’am.” He turns his face to me and I let out a loud groan, throwing my hand up to my face. I can’t believe I’m going to have to do this. Drunk, no less.
“Great, we’ll be there in ten.”
“I can’t believe that I agreed to do this. There’s a big chance I’m going to die from poisoning, then you’re going to have to find someone else to pay the rent and cook breakfast.”
“I’m recording it so I can relive it over and over. I’m more excited about this than the new girl I met at the gas station on the way to Nelson’s. Your pizza-eating is going to be the highlight of my year.”
“I’m glad to know my torture is going to keep you entertained for years to come.”
“Don’t look so glum. You might love it.”
“There is no way I’m going to love that horror you call a pizza. It’s an utter disgrace. Your lucky we’re in California and not in Italy. They’d have your head.”
“I’m sure they aren’t worried about a stoner lifeguard who enjoys sweet and salty flavors.” He pulls into the parking lot and gives me one last look before getting out of the car.
Watching him charm Jordan and grab the pie makes me realize I could never be as relaxed as Ashton. He’s light-hearted and generous. Nothing ever affects him too deeply. I envy his ability to shake things off—things like Bliss.
The scent of pizza floods my senses as he gets into the car and hands me the pie. I take it, careful not to burn myself. Peeking into the box, I grimace at what I see. It’s as disgusting as I thought it would be.
“DO IT!” Ashton shouts as I lift the pizza to my mouth. I’ve gagged twice already. This is horrible. If my brother could see me now, his grin would be as infectious as Ashton’s. They’d have been best friends.
With one last look at him, I bite down. A squishy, stringy texture hits my tongue before the fruit explodes in my mouth. I’m going to throw up. It tastes like a hot fruit cup and tomatoes has been blended with melted cheese.
I drop the slice on the plate and hear Ashton’s laughter all the way to the bathroom. I open up the toilet and spit out the disgusting mixture. God, that was nasty.
“It’s not that bad. Dude, it’s sweet and salty together,” Ashton says, leaning against the doorframe, a paper towel in his hands.
I grab it from him and wipe my mouth, sinking to the floor. “That was worse than the time my ex-girlfriend made me eat oysters. And that was like a huge loogie going down my throat.”
“You’re fucking dramatic. I’m going back to my pizza. I’ll eat all the pineapple for you. You can have the pepperoni.”
I follow him back into the kitchen,