I realized Fritz hadn’t tried to talk me out of my plan. Instead, he’d looked at ways to assure everyone’s safety.
◊◊◊
Halle and I drove to the airport to help pick up the arriving guests. Pam spotted me first and almost knocked me down when she ran up and put me into a bear hug.
“I missed you. There’s so much I have to tell you. I had an ultrasound done and brought you a picture. I also found the perfect dress for the wedding, but we’ll have to go shopping for something for the rehearsal dinner …”
Halle and Tracy both smiled at me when I was suddenly overwhelmed with rapid-fire girl-speak. My head was spinning with all the information she could impart in machine-gun succession. Pam finally relented on the ride home. She and I sat in the back together. When she’d gotten it all out, she seemed relieved and hugged me.
“Want to see a picture of our baby?” she asked.
She pulled out her cell phone and showed me a black-and-white image of our baby’s sonogram.
“It’s a boy,” she blurted out.
“Is he okay?” I asked.
“Yes. Everything looks normal, and all the tests tell them everything’s okay. He’s been pretty active today. Want to feel?” Pam asked.
She took my hand and put it on the side of her tummy. I felt the baby move.
“Does it hurt?” I asked.
“No. It was weird at first. All I could think about was that thing that shoots out of your stomach in
“She needed to know what she was getting into,” Tracy said.
“I see he’s hung like a Dawson,” I said with pride.
Lacy shook her head.
“That’s the umbilical cord, ‘stupid boy,’” Pam said.
I didn’t believe her. My son was hung like a horse.
◊◊◊
I helped them take their luggage to their rooms. Pam wanted to eat and then take a nap. Tracy convinced me I didn’t need to help Pam with her rest. Mr. Happy was disappointed. He’d missed her. I overruled him, and instead, Tracy and I stepped out to the patio where Rosy had left us cinnamon iced tea and snacks.
“How is everything back home?” I asked.
“Good. Cassidy is keeping the boys in shape. They brought in a specialist to help with training. Alan made sure everyone studied and got good grades. Tim, Ty, Yuri, and Johan have taken over for you while you’re gone. Dad said he expects you’ll repeat as State Champs next year. They’re taking everything seriously.”
“How are Brook and Zoe?”
“Zoe is busy with her family and her church. They were involved with ‘Toys for Tots.’ Coach Hope and another Marine reservist collected gifts for needy children. Zoe was busy wrapping gifts. She convinced the cheerleaders to help. It was actually a lot of fun. Her mom is hysterical. Mrs. Pearson had us all in stitches, telling us stories.
“Brook misses you. She needed you to do something like you did. That was very thoughtful to invite her to your premiere,” Tracy said.
“How’re your mom and dad doing?” I asked.
“Dad’s worried about the firm. I realize you didn’t intend it, but he thinks it’s only a matter of time before they fold up shop. Some of the better lawyers have already found other positions. Dad’s been talking to Ms. Dixon about possibly working with her firm, but that would mean he’d have to move. Mom’s not happy about that. She wants to stay where we are, at least until I graduate.
“Speaking of which, I need to know where you’re going to college,” she said.
“Why’s that?” I asked.
“I’ll graduate this time next year because I lost a semester when I was crazy. Even if we’re just friends, I want to stay close to you. I know Pam also wants to keep close. Personally, I need my two best friends to be nearby.”
Tim and Wolf had expressed similar desires. For a moment, I wondered how Alan felt, but then I remembered him and Tami in bed together. It was funny how one decision had changed so much for my two best friends and me. Just a few months ago, I’d be adding them to the equation. I wasn’t yet ready to pick a college, but at some point, we all should get together and at least make a list. If nothing else, we would need to get college applications sent out for the acceptance process. Tracy was right, she would have to start this spring.
Pam joined us, looking refreshed. She wanted to go surfing, but Tracy wanted to lie out and work on her tan. I thought it was a little chilly out, but Tracy said she wasn’t going home without some sun. Lacy, Rita, and Halle decided to join us for the trip to the beach house.
Before we left, Fritz sat the newcomers down and discussed security. He explained practices like not getting out of the car until they opened the door and other common-sense stuff. He also nabbed all our devices and installed his new apps.
Fritz made everyone test the panic button on all their devices. I felt better knowing they could call for help if needed.
