Stanton Box Set

“I’m not sure if you remember me. It’s Nicholas Anastas. We met in a restaurant a couple of months ago.”

My eyes widen and I sit up suddenly.

“Oh yes. I remember.” I start waving my hand around in the air at Joshua frantically.

He frowns at me and takes a sip of his shake.

“Nicholas Anastas, what a pleasant surprise.”

Joshua’s mouth drops open and he hits Cameron in the stomach. Cameron has his eyes closed and was not expecting the hit so he doubles over as he groans.

“Natasha Marx gave me your number.”

I look at Joshua. “Oh Natasha did … right.”

Joshua puts his head in his hands at the mention of her name.

Fuck, what will I say.” I stay silent as nerves steal my ability to speak.

“I hope you don’t mind me ringing.”

I swallow nervously. “No, it’s nice to hear from you.”

“I was wondering if you wanted to catch up for a drink tonight,” he asks.

Cameron throws a piece of ice at me from the ice bucket sitting next to him. It hits me hard in the face. I hold my hand up in a fist to him as he and Joshua break into laughter.

“Are you in LA?” I ask, wide-eyed, as I rub my face.

“Yes, I’m here for business. How about that drink?”

Holy shit. “Um, look I’m not sure I can make it tonight,” I answer. Joshua hits me hard in the stomach.

“You’re fucking going,” he mouths at me.

I shake my head as I cover the phone with my hand. I stand to get away from my two idiot friends.

“Ok. Fine. Never mind, at least I tried,” he snaps.

Oh shit, he’s pissed. What will I say?

I scrunch my eyes up as the next words escape my mouth. “I’m staying with friends. Why don’t you come here for dinner? Cameron can cook.” I bite my lip to stifle my smile. This time Cameron holds out his hand in a fist to me. “Joshua makes a mean cocktail,” I add. Joshua rolls his eyes at me as he takes another sip of his shake.

“Who are the friends?” he asks.

“Joshua, the man you met at the restaurant with me and my other friend Cameron.” I can hear him thinking through the phone. “They are nice guys. Fun. Cam is an amazing cook.” Cameron walks past to the bar and gives me a shove, hoping I will fall into the pool. Joshua smirks.

“Ok. What time?” he asks.

Oh fuck. Now I’ve done it. I start to shake my arm around in the air as I freak out.

“About seven. I will text you the address,” I answer nervously.

His deep velvety voice rasps through the phone. “I look forward to it Adrian.” He hangs up and I put my head in my hands.

“Oh my fucking god. He’s coming here.” I start to panic.

“Who?” Cameron frowns.