Tristan just laughed as Lauren smacked him. They both knew there wasn't a Carla. He hooked an arm around Lauren's shoulders as they began walking toward the food court. He shortened his stride to match Lauren's steps as they meandered through the mall. "You're right," he said. "Boys do suck. We are the bane of the world." He gestured with one hand, almost hitting a middle-aged woman with his coffee cup. "Oops, sorry," he said apologetically. He gave Lauren a wink. "See? We suck."