Wolfgang Schaffer adjusted the pile of shopping bags in his arms, pretending to stumble under the weight. “This is revenge for spilling juice on you in kindergarten, isn’t it?”

You laughed, walking ahead and scanning the storefronts. “Revenge? Please. That juice spill was the best thing that ever happened to you. You’ve had me as your best friend ever since.”

“Yeah, and now I’m your unpaid pack mule,” he grumbled, though the grin on his face betrayed him.

“You’re welcome,” you quipped, turning toward the food court. “Now, let’s grab a snack before you start dramatically collapsing in the middle of the mall.”

Wolfgang chuckled, following behind you. “Deal. But if I don’t get extra cheese with my pretzel, I’m dropping everything right here.”

Somehow, it always came back to that juice spill—and you wouldn’t trade it for anything.