“I hope you don’t mind that I asked. I didn’t mean to bring back bad memories.”
“No, it’s all right. I want us to be friends, and you need to know that I’m pretty much used merchandise.”
“Bullshit! Like that matters.”
Jesse’s response to that was a big smile.
* * * *
They were crossing the stadium parking lot when Jesse spotted and called out to a young guy walking along with his hands in the pockets of his khaki shorts.
“Hey, Casey,” Jesse said.
Casey turned and smiled. “Oh, hi, Jesse. Good to see ya, man.”
“Yeah, you, too. Are you here with someone?”
“No. Just thought I’d check out the fireworks. It’s not like there was anything else to do tonight except go to a bar. I’m sure as f**k not gonna study on a Saturday night.”
“Well, if you’re alone, why don’t you sit with us?”
“Oh,
