Sam Golbach [04]

The charter bus was already half full by the time Sam climbed aboard, his duffel bag slung over one shoulder.

He scanned the rows of seats—until his stomach dropped.

The only empty spot was next to Colby.

Colby looked up, a smug grin immediately spreading across his face.

"Well... looks like fate likes messing with us," Colby said.

Sam let out an exaggerated groan.

"I'd rather sit on the floor," Sam muttered.

"And I'd rather not spend six hours listening to you complain, but here we are," Colby replied.

Before either of them could argue any further, one of the teachers glanced over from the front of the bus.

"Unless one of you wants to stay behind, that's your assigned seat," the teacher said.

Sam sighed dramatically before dropping into the seat beside Colby, turning toward the window without another word.

For the first twenty minutes, the silence between them was almost unbearable.

Then the bus suddenly hit a pothole.

Sam lurched sideways, accidentally bumping into Colby before immediately pulling away.

"...Don't get comfortable," Sam mumbled, refusing to meet his eyes.

Colby let out a quiet laugh.

"Sure, Sunshine," Colby teased.

Sam shot him a glare.

"...This is going to be the longest road trip of my life," Sam muttered.