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The room buzzes with newfound excitement. Eyes glaze over as everyone imagines their costumes.

“I like it,” says Oliver. “That way, everyone can get creative without being restricted by a theme.”

I glance at Alex. “Props to Alex for the idea.”

Alex’s face lights up as he shoots me a grateful smile from where he sits between Kyle’s spread legs. Kyle nods approvingly, making me think I’ve finally measured up to his expectations.

“Then it’s settled.” Oliver makes a note on his phone. “We’llneed a playlist, decorations, and some themed drinks. But first, we’ve got to carve the pumpkins.”

Every year, we line the front yard with dozens of homemade jack-o’-lanterns. It’s a huge undertaking, but it’s tradition.

“Gerard.” Oliver points at me again. “You’re in charge of the pumpkins this year.”

I nod, accepting my fate. I skipped out on everything last Halloween because I spent all of my free time shopping for a rad costume. Figured I’d be paying my dues this year because of it.

“And Alex,” Oliver continues. “You’ll help him out.”

Alex’s eyes widen in surprise. There’s a hint of uncertainty in his expression. I reach out to ruffle his hair, but Kyle slaps it away.Rude.

“That’s all I have for this week.” Oliver claps his hands. “See you all here next Sunday. ”

Guys filter out of the room, discussing potential costumes and other plans for the party.

I follow close behind, my feet taking me to the kitchen, where we keep a whiteboard with our weekly needs scribbled on it.

As I take a picture with my phone, Drew comes up behind me and leans against the fridge. “Can you do me a favor, G-man?”

I sigh internally. Drew’s favors are never simple. “What is it?”

“I’m in a bind and can’t get to the store until later.”

“What do you need, dude?”

Drew’s lips curl into a mischievous grin. “Condoms.”

My stomach drops. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. Ultra-thin and ribbed for hisandher pleasure.” He winks.

“Can’t you just?—”

“Come on, dude. You’re going to the store anyway.” He stands up straight, confident I’ll cave. “I need them for tonight.”

“Why don’t you use one of Kyle’s?” I grasp at any excuse to get out of this.

Drew shrugs. “We’re different sizes.”

I blanch at thatinformation. It’s way more than I ever wanted to know about either of them. Drew cackles, already halfway down the hall. “You should see the look on your face, G-man! Priceless!”

I flip him off, even though he can’t see it. The jerk always manages to put me in these situations.Why do I keep agreeing to his stupid requests?Probably because deep down, I know he’d do the same for me—though not with nearly as much complaining or blushing.

Storming out of the kitchen, I grab my slides from the hallway and walk out the front door. The cool air hits me like a splash of cold water, momentarily cooling my burning face. I take a deep breath and trot down the driveway to my car.

Once inside, I adjust my rearview mirror and back out onto the road. As I enjoy the fifteen-minute ride, I mentally brace myself for the chaos that awaits at the Berkeley Shore grocery store on a Sunday morning after church. And for the ultra-thin, ribbed-for-his-and-her-pleasure aisle.

The parking lot is a madhouse,as expected. I have to circle twice before snagging a spot in the back next to a rusted-out pickup. The walk to the entrance isn’t too bad, but it’s going to suck later when I’m pushing an overflowing shopping cart.

Inside, the store is pure chaos. Families swarm the aisles like locusts, stripping shelves bare of cereal and canned goods. Screaming kids filter in and out of earshot as they race around corners and collide with unsuspecting shoppers. Mischievous teenagers poke at produce and dare each other to chug bottles of sriracha. Elderly couples move at a glacial pace, creating human traffic jams as they deliberate over brands of cottage cheese.