Page 98 of Grown-Up Second Chance

Soon everyone was there except for the guest of honor.

“Go fetch him, Di,” Kathleen ordered.

Sometimes she acted more like the oldest sister than I did.

I obediently walked to Joe’s trailer and knocked on the door.

Only a towel was wrapped around his waist when he answered.

He didn’t look like a man who might have ED.

Heat rushed to the juncture between my legs, an unusual feeling. It had been a very long time since I’d felt that.

I looked away.

“Um … we’re waiting for you,” I said.

“I know. Just give me a minute.”

Thankfully, the door closed.

I sat down at the picnic table as all the chairs had been stowed somewhere. The entire site was spick and span, the only things remaining were the electric and water. Even his truck had been backed into position to easily hook up.

A wave of sadness washed over me. He was really leaving.

A crow landed on the fire ring and eyed me, as if asking, “What are you going to do about it?”

“I haven’t the faintest idea,” I told him.

He cawed at me and flew off.

“Sorry,” Joe said as he emerged from the trailer, thankfully with clothes on. “I had an inspiration for a problem with my book. I’ve been wrestling with it for days, so I had to get it down. I got involved, and well, time got away from me.”

“It’s your party,” I said with a shrug of what I hoped was nonchalance.

“Yes.” He glanced at our space. “And I can see it’s already started. Shall we go?”

A cheer went up when we arrived at the party. Someone handed Joe a beer while I went inside to retrieve a G and T. I’d always been a rip-off-the-Band-Aid kind of person. I’d rather say goodbye and have it over and done with.

This send-off was going to make for a long afternoon.

The Silicon Valley exec was in his element as he flipped burgers and grilled hot dogs. Some folks had brought chicken and steaks. There was a lot of exclamations about the sides, which now included beans, coleslaw, a variety of pasta dishes, and another green salad. Brownies, cookies, and a few loaves of sweet breads finished off our choices. Large bowls of a variety of chips sat on the picnic table.

It was quite the party.

I pulled my chair to the edge and people-watched for a while, before taking out my phone to snap a few candid shots. I wasn’t sure how they would turn out, but I’d started playing with Photoshop so I might be able to pull something from them.

Joe had a big grin while he talked with some of the men I didn’t know well. Edsel had been unleashed and made the rounds, putting his small paws on knees until he was properly greeted. People had earnest conversations. A young girl had wandered in from somewhere and was helping herself to the chips.

No one cared. It was a beautiful day in one of the most amazing places on earth. We had food and good company. Someone had set up their phone with a set of speakers. Country music provided a party beat.

“Having fun?” Mason settled himself next to me.

“Sure,” I replied.

“You like photography?”

“Very much.”

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