“You're coming to Ocean View? Awesome! When will you be here? We'll pick you up!” Taylor says with some excitement.

“Yeah, I'm coming for a tech convention. I'm taking a few days off school for it.” Richie says over the phone.

“Awesome. Tech sounds fun. Stay with us while you're here. It's only an hour away from the city. I'll be your chauffeur for the trip, how ‘bout it?” Taylor suggests. He still had a few responsibilities, but he was willing to ignore them for this. And he would drag Daryl along for sure, just to get the boys back together.

“What? Nah, it's cool. I booked a hotel.” Richie responds. He didn't really want to be cramped in an apartment with two dudes. Last he heard the two were sharing a one bedroom apartment.

“Then cancel it! Don't be daft bro, we're staying at a house now. You can chill in the guest bedroom.” Taylor explains.

“Oh, for real? Alright, I'll chill for a few days. But I'm tellin' you man, you're going to have to drive me everywhere. There are a few things I want to see.” Richie responds.

“No problem, my brother. I'm all yours for the trip.” Taylor says with a smile.

“Don't be gay. Unless you're open to that?” Richie says, slightly curious. “Never mind, let's not get into it. I'll see you there.” He says before hanging up.

…

…

“Richie! My brother! Welcome home!” Taylor says enthusiastically as he approaches Richie at the bottom of the escalator.

“Bitch, this ain't home.” Richie says in a mean voice. “But you are family.” He says, letting out a smile.

“Agh! You almost got me, brother. I thought it was going to be one of those bitter family reunions!” Taylor says as he pulls Richie in for a hug, forcing him to drop his luggage.

“Fuck, you guys are so gay.” Daryl says with a shake of his head.

“Don't be a downer, Daryl. I know you want some too. Get in here. Ah!” Richie says as he pulls Daryl into a hug.

“Okay, I'm a little gay. Glad you're here bro.” Daryl says with a pat to Richie's shoulder.

“You have the day off from that tech stuff, right? Let's go bar hopping for the day. See how far we get.” Taylor suggests with a smile.

“Fuck man, it's like 11 am. Just chill. Let's go visit a park or something.” Richie says with some hesitation. Although he was enrolled in college, he was oddly responsible throughout the experience. It wasn't like it was in high school when all they needed was an excuse to drink.

“Fuck, alright. Like nature park or the amusement kind? We can do the weird talk about life shit at the botanical garden or something.” Taylor suggests.

“That sounds like a great idea. You need to chill Taylor. Recently, it's been let's get drunk, let's do some coke, let's smoke a blunt. I have no idea what your deal is, but you desperately need this chill.” Daryl says, somewhat seriously.

“What? What's been going on bro? Don't tell me it's about that girl? I thought you guys were cool?” Richie asks, somewhat worried.

“Nah, we're cool. It’s just that… life feels like it's moving a little too fast.” Taylor admits. “But let's save it for the garden. You know what they say about the garden, right?” Taylor asks.

“What happens in the garden, stays in the garden.” Daryl and Richie say together, before letting out a laugh.