It's a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school. (Ferris Bueller)

People went out a lot there. We were close to all the star-studded clubs on the Sunset Strip and all the fabulous Hollywood parties, if anyone was lucky enough to get in. I wasn’t old enough to go to the clubs, though I would never admit it, and I wasn’t connected enough back then to get into any of the fabulous parties.

One of the UCLA blokes came to pay his rent. This was the one who was later extradited from the group, but at this point they still liked him. I took the envelope with a forced smile and thank you.

“So I heard Nicky say you’re in college.”

“Yes,” I agreed, almost repentant about the suppressed groan that leaked through my response. I hate small talk, when would these people catch on?

“Are you doing an internship?”

“No, I’m studying.”

“Oh that’s funny.”

“Why is that funny?”

“I noticed you coming out of Melrose High yesterday.”

“And?” I hid my concern as best I could as this stupid UCLA undergrad dangled this bit of blackmail in front of me.

“You’re a high school student.”

“What?” I spat incredulously.

“Can I come in?”

It was my best option so I stepped aside to let him by and closed the door behind him.

“What do you want?”

“I can’t afford to pay rent.”

I laughed in his face. “You think I’m going to let you live here for free to protect my reputation. You’re out of your bloody mind!”

“What about a discount?”

Once I seen how quickly he caved I knew this would just be a little hiccup.

“No.”

“What about a date?”

I laughed.

“That’s not a ‘no’.”