“How’d it go?” Jodie’s voice quietly surfaced, its characteristic sharpness absent.

“He’s pissed.” Mitch ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes. He braced himself for his friend’s usual tirade, about what an asshole Calvin was and how he had no right to be angry after this, that, and the other thing, and blah blah blah.

Instead, she touched his good arm. “Hey, let’s get going,” she suggested while gently beginning to pull at him.

“Alright,” he agreed, finally giving up any further resistance, and allowed himself to be guided away from the spot of Earth that he desperately wished would swallow him whole.

“So,” Jodie started once they were in her car, then she paused to adjust the radio dial. “I let everyone know that you’re OK. I also let ’em know to not bother you right now.”

“Thanks.” Mitch rested his head against the passenger side window and watched the streetlights pass by. “I really appreciate this, Jodie.”

“Don’t mention it.” Jodie took a final drag from her cigarette before flicking the butt out the window. “You hungry? We can’t exactly do Denny’s since you’re like, half naked. I think Taco Bell’s drive thru still open?”

He yawned and shook his head. “Nah. At this point, I just wanna sleep.”

“Alright.”

Aside whatever alt rock played on the radio, rest of the ride was in silence. Mitch did his best to ignore the nagging feeling of tension that swelled in the car, and his suspicion of its existence was confirmed when they finally pulled into Jodie’s driveway. She killed the engine, inhaled sharply, and her hands grasped at the air. “I just…can I say something?”

Mitch grimaced. “I guess.”

“You’re all fucked up and Calvin like, doesn’t care. Am I wrong?”

“It’s not that he doesn’t care-“

“Bro.” She placed her forehead against the steering wheel, clearly exasperated. “Goddammit, you’re so stupid. Lemme ask: did he even offer to come get you? Did he figure out a way for you to get home?”

“Well, no. But. It’s super late, Jodie. I kinda got myself into this, and he’s got work super early. And I told him that you offered me a place to stay. I’m sure we’ll figure it out tomorrow.” Mitch’s voice cracked a little, and he rubbed his eyes. “Can we not do this right now? Please?”

“Fine. Fine.” Raising her hands in surrender, she offered a small smile. “I’m just concerned, dude.”

“I know.” His smile matched hers in uncertainty, and she sighed. Without another word, Jodie exited her side of the car, and moments later opened the passenger side for Mitch. His smile brightened a little more as she helped him out of his seat. “Thanks.”

“No worries.”