Chapter 51

Dan didn’t say much as he got into Peter’s car. Part of him, was extremely self-conscious of the fact he was still covered in sweat, and he could only imagine what that was doing to Peter’s car. Other than that, the Senior’s sudden arrival, after his unexplained disappearance for the week, had Dan a bit off balance. Combine that with the shift in Sam’s attitude towards him, which still had him uncomfortable, and he was definitely not in the position to talk.

Thankfully, Peter, true to Peter, was more than happy to start the conversation off.

“Man, I tell you what buddy. I did not expect to see you out there when I showed up tonight. Like, figured you’d be practicing your head off on the tennis courts. But macking it up with Sam. Gonna give you an A plus for taste and can’t even be mad you weren’t practicing on the courts.”

“Uh,” was all James could get out, before Peter continued.

“And real talk. I saw that stunt you pulled on the soccer field. That video is hella going viral. Like, man, I knew you said you played soccer, but you didn’t tell me you were that good.” Peter glanced over to him as they drove, “with skills like that, no wonder you’ve been picking up tennis so quick. You’re a freaking natural born athlete huh.”

Dan said the only thing that sprang to mind. “There’s a video of that?”

“Dude, this is high school. Everyone has a phone. Of course, there’s a video of it. One of the team managers posted it to her Instagram story as soon as it happened. She shortly uploaded it to Tik Tok with some reactions to it, and maybe a few kissy faces and flames. That little stunt of yours is going to make you crazy popular Danny boy.”

“Oh.” Peter was extremely energized, as normal. Dan, however, was exhausted, both physically, and mentally.

“You’re tired, I got it. Want to grab a bite to eat or something? Maybe get you a dessert? I need my buddy back and ready to go tomorrow after all.” Peter had already taken them opposite of Dan’s house, in a direction that Dan knew would lead to a large shopping mall, and other food related places.

“I was really planning to just go to bed when I got home.” He muttered. “But, I suppose Ice Cream never hurt anyone.”

“Well, unless you know, you’re lactose intolerant or such.” Peter laughed. “Ice Cream it is. And while we’re there, gonna need you to give me the update on what all went down this week.” Peter’s voice dropped to a more serious tone for a moment.

“You’re not giving up on tennis, are you?”

Dan shook his head. “No. Though Sam really wanted me to stay on the team.”

“Yeah, she did.” Peter interjected with a smirk and wink. “She seemed all about team Dan.”

“But I told her I’d set out to play tennis this year, and I,” he paused. He’d almost admitted to telling her he didn’t want to let Peter down. “And that I was going to stick with it to see how far I could go on the team.”

“Did you tell her about your little crush on Sophia?”

“Er,”

“You didn’t, did you? Oh man you’re going to be such a player. I can already tell.” Peter chuckled again. He was definitely in high spirits. And it was hard for Dan to keep up. Peter was normally a lot to deal with. But today, he seemed especially so.

“That’s, not what I was trying for.” Dan said. “I was just playing soccer this week because I wasn’t allowed on the courts.”

The car swerved quickly to the side as Peter’s eye twitched. A dark expression crossed his face as he regained control. “Which bastard was it?”

“It’s not-“

“-don’t bullshit me. I know they pull stupid shit while I’m gone. But keeping you off the courts for a whole week is going to far.” Peter looked at him, deadly serious. “Who was it?”

“Ben…” Dan said, trailing off softly. He didn’t want Peter to fight his battles for him. And honestly, playing soccer all week had been a welcome burst of nostalgia. Add on the bonus and growth he’d made with his skills, and Ben had actually done him a favor.

“Of course, it was him.” Peter said. “Thanks for letting me know buddy. I’ll have to remind them of the pecking order on Monday.”

“It’s, alright. Really. I had a good time playing soccer, and I got a lot of much needed endurance building in. So, it’s not a problem.”

Peter shook his head. “Nope. Nah uh. Let me tell you something important Danny. You can’t let people get away with bullying you. If you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile. Lay down and let people like Ben walk over you, and you’ll be a doormat for life.”

“But-“

“Not to mention. I’m not going to chat with him purely on your behalf buddy. Have no doubt, Ben did this to try and get at me. And I’m going teach him a lesson he won’t soon forget. First, for messing with you, and second, for thinking he could cross me.”

Peter’s gaze was terrifying. Gone momentarily was the laid back, extremely energized Peter. In its place, was someone who looked capable of murdering a person and then ordering a pizza at the house while the body was still warm.

“Onto other topics.” Dan said, trying to move it away from Ben. “Where did you go? And why was it so sudden?”

Peter’s visage changed into a mysterious smile, which seemed forced, and it was evident his anger still smoldered. “Can’t tell you yet buddy. It’s a secret.”

“Well, it’s nothing bad right?” Dan pressed. “Like, everything’s okay with you?” Honestly, the fact Peter had disappeared without mentioning anything to him prior, and only telling him in text, had worried him. Peter was, as far as Dan was concerned, his closest friend at the school, on top of being his mentor. So, the Senior disappearing for a week without any details had him mildly concerned.

“Nah, it’s nothing bad.” Peter said, only partially convincing Dan. “Just life ya know. Nothing for you to worry about.” That, very un-Peter like answer, caused Dan to worry. His dad said similar things to him at times, when he was trying not to tell Peter stuff. He’d become painfully used to such things when his mom had been diagnosed. Those types of things, they stay with a person. Embed themselves in a memory, and so, Peter’s response sent red flags flying in Dan’s mind.

However, he also knew, pushing Peter probably wasn’t the best option. It rarely ever was.

“Alright, as long as everythings good.” He said, trying his best to return Peter’s smile.

“Good as can be buddy,” Peter replied. “Now then, how about that Ice Cream.”