Page 4 of Just for the Plot

Bennett:And she didn’t bring you?! That’s not fucking safe.

Bower:Trust me, I already yelled at her about it. But she’s safe and driving back. For what it’s worth, you’re going to love the gift.

Bennett:I don’t care. I care that she could have gotten hurt.

Bower:Same, but let’s just say she’s good. Okay?

Bennett:Fine.

Bower:Hey, it’s good. Now…how was baseball practice?

Bennett:Don’t change the subject when I’m mad.

Bower:Can’t be mad forever…especially when she gives you that present.

Bennett—Eighteen years old

Bower:Happy birthday, Mr. Eighteen! Any plans?

Bennett:Gabby has something planned. By the way, did she tell you about the guy she met at the bar? He tipped her two hundred dollars. Do I need to be worried?

Bower:The only thing you need to be worried about is the gift I have for you.

Bennett:Why?

Bower:Gabby might have given me access to some of your teenage pictures.

Bennett:Please…please don’t.

Bower:Too late for that. By the way, thanks for the tip on the shoes I got for Gabby. You’re right, she never would have taken them.

Bennett:She doesn’t like to take anything from you.

Bower:I know, but I told her I got them for me and they were too tight and I couldn’t return them. She took them, tried to pay me, so I told her I got them on super discount for fifteen dollars.

Bennett:She bought it?

Bower:Of course, I’m super convincing.

Bennett—Twenty years old

Bennett:Are you planning a party for Gabby?

Bower:I was. I was going to text you to see what your schedule was like. I know she said she didn’t want a graduation party, but she got her teaching degree, and we need to celebrate.

Bennett:I agree. I could probably sneak home this weekend, we have an off day.

Bower:Perfect. I’ll put things in motion. So excited to see you, it’s been a while. How have you been? Met any girls?

Bennett:Things are fine.

Bower:That doesn’t answer the question. Did you finally lose that virginity of yours?

Bennett:I lost it when I was seventeen.

Bower:What?? To whom?

Bennett:Someone who was extremely disappointed with my performance.