Fallout (Crank 3)

Esperanza’s is a great little taqueria,

one of Aunt Cora’s favorite “hidden

hot spots.” Apparently it’s one

of Bryce’s favorites too.

He pulls up in front. They have

killer burritos here. Oh, hey,

you do like Mexican food, don’t

you? Wow, this place is rocking.

“Well, yeah. It is lunchtime.

And yes, I do, in fact, like Mexican

food. We’d better hurry, though,

or we’ll be late back to school.”

We go inside, squeeze our way

through the crowded tables

to the takeout counter. Bryce

orders his burrito. I ask for

a chicken soft taco before

I discover,

“Oh, no. I didn’t

bring any money.” I must have

left it in yesterday’s jeans.

Bryce doesn’t miss a beat.

I’ve got it. I invited you to lunch,

remember? Surprise number two.

Some guys are still gentlemen.

We eat in the car, listening

to music I could never play

at home, at least not without

headphones, at least not

when Grandfather is around.