Project ELE by Rebecca Gober, Courtney Nuckels Page B

them letting them know to chill out.
    Connor gets a huge grin on his face and begins doing a silent version of the running man behind Alec’s back. I look to Alec who seems to be oblivious of their presence behind him. Claire puts her hand over her mouth squelching her laughter.
    She waves her hands at Connor to get him to stop and looks back over at me. She then proceeds to act like she’s taking a seat and tipis her hands in front of her mimicking Alec. Connor nearly loses it and steps back away from us, hand over his mouth.
    “It’s just with my dad being who he is and all, it can be tough, you know?” My attention focuses back on Alec and I nod my head in understanding trying very hard to keep a straight face but not feeling like I’m succeeding. I honestly didn't hear half of what he just said because Connor started dancing in place again. “You know what’s really interesting Willow?” Alec asks with a raised eyebrow.
    I try harder to concentrate on him and not on what my friends are doing. “No, what?” I ask.
    Alec lets a small grin appear on his face. His voice raises a few decibels, “It’s interesting that Connor and Claire think I can’t see what they’re doing behind my back. Yes, that’s interesting.”
    Connor stops mid running man and Claire closes her mocking mouth immediately.
    “Oh hey guys! I didn’t know you were standing there.” Alec says in mock surprise placing his hand over his heart.
    I bury my head in my hands. Oh my gosh, can it get any more awkward?
    “How--” Connor begins to ask but Alec doesn’t give him the opportunity.
    “See that metal tray dispenser right there?" He points to an area right behind me. " Yeah, I could totally see you the whole time.”
    A crimson color spreads across their faces as the realization dawns on them. Alec shakes his head, “It’s cool. I would have done the same thing.” He gives a small chuckle as Connor and Claire try and pull their heads out of their butts. “Really, it’s all good.” Alec says trying to reassure them again.
    I bust up laughing at the calamity displayed before me. All heads turn to me, but I can’t help it. That had to be one of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen. It doesn’t take but a moment before everyone is laughing with me. Connor and Alec exchange some kind of macho male handshake. Then both of my friends join us at the table.
    "So what are we going to do today?" Claire asks.
    "I vote to go swimming." Connor chimes in.
    "No." Claire and I both say simultaneously. This is our first time to hang out with our boss. I'm thinking that bikini's and swim trunks aren't really appropriate in this situation. Plus, I didn't get to shave my legs this morning so that idea is definitely vetoed.
    Connor looks mildly disappointed. He suggests a second option, "We could see a flick at the theater."
    Everyone looks at each other and we shrug at the so-so idea.
    Alec checks something on his tablet then says. "Well, if you are into Historical films we can go check it out. Today they are playing back to back documentaries of World War I, World War II and World War III."
    "Oh that sounds like a blast." I say sarcastically.
    "I don't hear any genius suggestions from either of you." Connor says a little sourly.
    "I guess that leaves shopping or bowling. Since we get paid crap money we might as well check out the bowling alley." I open my eyes wide and hold my breath when I remember who is sitting at our table.
    Connor and Claire give me that look that says, 'dude, pull your foot out of your mouth.'
    "I mean, um..." I start to say but Alec waves me off.
    "Look, I know you all don't get paid squat. I make only a little more than you do. I understand." He looks around at all of us who still look semi uncomfortable. "Let's pretend for today that I'm not your boss. That I'm just another kid like you trying to have fun."
    "Kid." Connor harrumphs.
    Alec turns to where he's facing Connor better and asks, "Just how old do you