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“I’m first on the Oculus.”

Nathan and Kwesi spring up

from the massive sofa

we’re all sitting on. All apart from Kojo,

who’s on a footstool.

Matt gives me a gesture,

a flat hand, palm facing down.

The rest of The Boys rise

and follow Nathan and Kwesi.

“Didn’t I say he should’ve taken the money?”

Abdi jokes. “This party’s dead.”

Sam looks back at me and Matt

on the sofa. “You man coming up?”

“Yeah, just a second,” says Matt.

“Are you good, Kai?” Sam’s eyes search me.

“Yes, I’m good,” I reply.

I’m not sure why

Sam’s worried about me:

he hasn’t paid much attention to me

before now.

“Good.” Sam nods and leaves.

Across the living room,

Nicky Anderson sits on

the lap of her girlfriend,

on an oxblood-red leather armchair,

their group of friends at their feet

on a scattering of floor cushions.

They hold court like a royal couple.

They regale their audience

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