I went into the bathroom, examined my No. 3. The gel was congealing. I considered a fast shampoo but thought “Screw it.” When I came back Ann had left the book aside, said, “That is so sad.”
“Does it clarify anything?”
“I don’t know.”
I didn’t want to get into this so said, “Let’s get to that party.”
“Shouldn’t we bring something?”
“Isn’t there a bottle of wine left?”
“Oh. Right.”
We went up the stairs in an awkward silence. At Linda’s door, we could hear music. Sounded like James Taylor. Jeez, what a bad omen. Knocked.
Linda answered. She was dressed in a long flowing sheath. I said, “I brought a friend.”
Linda hesitated for just a second, then, “Lovely. Do come in.”
We did.
Everyone was dressed to the nines. The women in long dresses, the guys in suits. We looked like the hire
