7 Chapter 7

About twenty minutes later, Patty hits me back with: Confirmed. Can’t wait to see you there.

* * * *

I arrive at Patty’s house on time with a present for Joey, my Diesel swimsuit, a towel, and Adidas flip flops. It’s a barbecue: wide green backyard, mingling guests, volleyball game. Eighties rock-and-roll music blares from human-sized speakers around the property. The swimming pool is kidney-shaped, and bare-chested handsome men toss a beach ball around its aqua-blue water.

Patty meets me on the patio and kisses my cheek. She says, “Nolan, I’m so glad you came.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” I say, and pass her my gift for Joey.

“You should get a drink,” she suggests.

“Beer works fine.”

She points to the bar area, and I head over.