The Newcomer (Thunder Point #2)(74)

“I like Ford, but he’s an ass,” Ray Anne said.

“Well, I can’t stand Marjorie, but I think I feel sorry for her,” Lou said.

“It gets to the point that when you have an event that didn’t disappoint, you want to give a discount,” Carrie said, rubbing her foot. “The worst is when a young bride doesn’t get the reception she always dreamed of. It’s rarely about the venue or the food, but usually some relative or guest with bad manners.”

“I bet you don’t often see renegade f**king at wedding receptions,” Ray Anne said.

“That’s where you see it the most,” Carrie said.

“Really? I thought that was just me....”

“No, there’s something about a wedding that makes people amorous. And reckless. But I have to say, I’ve never seen it happen at an anniversary party. By the son of the couple. In their bedroom. In the middle of the party.”

“Coolers of beer and cigars...I bet Marjorie wanted to die. Here she was all dressed up and Ford’s wearing his Seattle Mariners cap.”

“Yeah, I bet that dress cost her forty bucks,” Ray Anne said meanly.

“Get it out of your system,” Carrie said. “Because you are not to gossip about this! To anyone!”

“I didn’t sign a confidentiality agreement,” Lou said. “Besides, everyone is going to be talking about it. Especially Pat, who got a close-up of Downy’s na**d ass.” She took a sip of her wine. “And all you did was pull the door closed!”

“It was that or throw a bucket of cold water on him,” Carrie said. “I know he broke my baby’s heart, but I’m glad she’s moving on. Hopefully to someone with some manners. If not class. Jeez.”

And then the three of them looked at each other and burst into hysterical laughter until they were crying and couldn’t sit up straight.

* * *

Frank knocked on Ashley’s door at nine-thirty. Gina answered, looking surprised. “Frank!”

“Hi. Is Ashley home?”

“Um, yes. I think she’s plugged into her iPod. Or on the phone. I’ll check. Come on in.”

He stepped inside while Gina went down the hall and tapped on Ashley’s bedroom door. When she came out, wearing a perplexed frown, her iPod earbuds were dangling over her shoulders. And Gina went in a different direction, leaving them alone.

He smiled and said, “Hi.”

“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at your parents’ party?”

“I stayed for the toast and the cake cutting. That’s long enough. I’m sure they’ll think I’m in my room or something.”

“But what are you doing?”

“I’m going to the beach to look for stars and constellations and meteors. It’s clear and cool.” He half turned, showing her his backpack. “I have a log and a couple of drinks.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “You don’t have to keep doing this, Frank. I mean, it’s nice of you, but I am managing not to feel like total toe jelly knowing Downy’s in town with his girlfriend.”

“Well, good. So, the internet says there could be a mild meteor shower tonight. And I did this, as you say, because no one else would be interested. And the party is not for me. My mom is semihappy—my dad gave her a necklace. And now he’s getting hammered with some of his buddies on the patio. So—”

“Getting hammered? I thought it was a fancy party!”

“That is fancy for my dad. He put out two coolers full of beer.” Frank grinned.

“What if someone’s looking for you?”

“I left a note on my computer—gone to the beach to look at stars. I’ve done it before. They won’t worry.”

She sighed. “I’ll sit on the steps with you for a little while, but I don’t want to talk about Downy.”

“Good, because I don’t have anything to say about him. But turn off the porch light, in case there are meteors. I want to see them.”

She flicked off the light, turned off her iPod and pulled the door closed behind them. She sat down on the top step with Frank.

Frank shed the backpack, opened it and pulled out a couple of drinks, handing her one.

“Let’s be sure we have something straight,” she said. “We’re just friends. We’re going to stay just friends and not because of Downy or the fact that you’re a Downy or anything. It’s because I’m not dating. Got it?”

He twisted the top off his drink. “I think we already had this conversation. I get it. And I’m real sorry my brother hurt you but I’m not sorry it gave me a chance to get to know you on a different level. While you were with Downy, we only talked if you had a math crisis. I’m not looking for anything, Ash. I’m not dating, either. I have a lot I want to do.”

“Like?” she asked, opening her drink.

“I have to ace a whole bunch of classes, for one thing. I’m not going to be getting a football scholarship.”

“Hmm. So, where do you think you’re going to college?”

“Harvard.”

“Whoa. That’s gonna be expensive.”

“There are whole websites and blogs dedicated to tips on how to get in and pay for it. You could fill a phone book with the scholarships and grants available. Not to mention loans.”