They smoked outside rather than in the car. It was warmer than winters of the past. In high school they smoked huddled in the car. Now they were wearing decently thin coats, given that it was December.

Jack didn't say anything. Made sounds like 'shit'. but no substance.

Alan nodded. There was nothing to say at that time he supposed. The lights of the party store shone. They were just far enough to be in the light but not blinded by it.

Before stopping for the cigarette Alan had wanted to drive some more. Now standing there with the cig in his mouth, breathing in cold air mixed with smoke, he thought it'd be better to go back home. Sleep early. There'd be nothing good to come out driving around looking for frills.

"Want to stay with us tonight? I already asked my mom. She's more than happy about it."

Jack looked at him. Eyelids drooped like he was high.

"Yeah I suppose so. I guess I didn't have any other plan did I?"

"you were always a free spirit. The guy who took things as they came."

There was an extra bed. In the room that used to be Alan's dad's office. His mom had already made the bed. And the lamp was on. It cast a nice warm glow. Thoughts of wanting to sleep here after Jack left already filtered into Alan's mind.

"This is nice," Jack said. "Thanks, man."