Chapter 3

“You promised to go out for dinner with them later. Remember?”

Vincent’s eyes widened in shock. “Oh, shit.”

“Oh, yes,” David retorted, sounding gleeful and far too amused. “Good luck coming up with a plausible excuse.”

“Dave, you have to help me.”

David tapped on his lower chin and stared at Vincent in silence, obviously lost in thought. After a brief moment, David’s face lit up. “Tell them you have to meet up with family for some last minute preparation for the Lunar New Year celebration. It’s less than two weeks away.”

Vincent sighed. “Justin will be suspicious. He will question me endlessly.”

Among his group of friends, only he, David, and Justin were of Chinese descent, so the three of them were aware of the customs and traditions involved with the Lunar New Year celebration. He could put off his other friends, but Justin would be difficult.

“Justin is the most empathetic among our friends. Tell him the truth. He will cover up for you.”