The next day, Izzy watched the members of Iron Weasel excitedly cross off another date on the calendar. "Six days til tour!" Burger said excitedly. "You know what that means..." Ash said grinning. "Weasel Slap!" the rest of the band called. In true weasel fashion, they all knocked each other to the floor while Tripp, still staning smiled at Izzy.
The two friends knew what to do automatically and climbed wordlessly through Tripp's bedroom window and out on to the roof; something they'd been doing frequently since the band moved in. "Can you believe it Izz? Touring! Hot girls, sold out concerts, trashing hotel rooms... Hot girls!" The teen babbled excitedly. "That's great Tripp," Izzy said, not sure what else to say. Hot girls? She had to get this off her chest, and soon.
"That's all your gonna say?" Tripp asked, a little hurt his best friend wasn't more excited for him. "Aw, I'm just kidding softie. Of course the weasels are gonna rock!" she exclaimed, putting up a rock sign and head banging. Tripp laughed and copied her movement. "Oh! And I have a surprise for you," he said a slow smile creeping across his lips. "Oh yeah?" Izzy asked curiously.
"Remember how you sang for Derek when he lost his voice?" The guitarist asked, wanting to draw out the suspense. "How could I forget? Classic Booger Smack," she replied smiling at the memory of being on stage. "Well... How would you like to do that at a sold out arena?" he finally asked. Izzy jumped up. Never had the latina rocker been more excited. "Dude! No way! No freakin way!" Tripp laughed. "I know I know. I'm awesome," he said nodding cockily.
"I didn't say all that, now," Izzy said, sitting down. They both laughed and fell comfortably silent. "Hey Tripp?" Izzy said quietly. "Yeah?" he replied just as softly. "Thanks." Time passed silently between the two teens, leaving Izzy alone with her thoughts. She was suddenly aware how close their hands were, almost touching. Of how their heartbeats seemed to be in sync.
I can't take this anymore, she thought and sat up. "Tripp, I-I think I-" Her words were suddenly interrupted by Beth Campell, Tripp's Mom. "Hey kids dinner's ready! Are you staying Izzy?" Izzy sat up in deafeat. "Nah I should get home. Next time." Ms. Campell shrugged and returned to the kitchen.
"Leaving so soon?" Tripp asked once they were inside his room again. "Yeah. My Mom's probably worried," Izzy answered, trying to be nonchalant. "Bye," the friends said to eachother. The unexpected happened then. Tripp pulled Izzy into a tight hug. "What was that for?" she asked, breathless from being that close once more. "You looked like you needed it," he repiled shrugging. "Yeah I think I did," Izzy said quietly then waved and headed home.