A day and a half later, Eli was dropped off in front of his home, shivering in the midst of the cold wind and snow. And there to great him in the drive way, Jacob and Kevin, who happily tossed down the shovels they were using to clear the snow when they saw their brother. The three walked indoors triumphantly. Eli had never been so happy to return to him home.
"Eli!" cried Michael, who had been lying on the couch. He jumped up and patted his brother on the back. "Wow, things have been totally lame without you around! Come on, we should celebrate. Let's go out to eat, on me. I mean, if one of you will lend me the cash. I spent my last of it buying these Pumas."
Eli looked down on saw the elaborately designed, multi-coloured sneakers he was wearing.
"Those are the most ridiculous shoes I have ever seen in my life."
"Hey, Sofia said they were sexy! I was with her when I picked them out."
It was amazing to see how obsessed Michael was with Sofia. Ten minutes later they were at a nearby bar and grill, enjoying a good meal, and Michael still talking about Sofia.
"So her and a group of her friends are going to be taking a trip to Montreal for Spring break. I really wish I could go to. I'm going to have to beg mom and dad for it."
"Oh yeah, you running around Quebec all by yourself," said Eli. "That's just a disaster waiting to happen."
"Oh, shut up," he said. "By the way, I've got some news about a certain someone that might make you happy."
"What?" he asked.
"Wow, that waitress has a huge butt. Gross. What was I saying? Oh yeah. So, it's about Genesis Williams. Well, you remember that guy she was dating? They're over! He got transferred to Vancouver, and they broke up. Which means she's back on the market!"
"Lucky Thomas," said Eli.
"Lucky us," replied Michael, not bothering to understand what Eli meant. Eli was definitely glad he knew the truth about her now. If not, Michael's announcement would have just gotten his hopes up.
Michael looked carefully at the bill, over all the orders, angry at how much they had spent and he would have to pay back to Jacob. "Why did you leave the waitress such a good tip?" he asked as they were leaving. "She was ugly as hell."