uitar strapped across his shoulder； playing some
old Willie Nelson song。
He was right — it just wasn't him。
But the fact that it ever had been made me feel even more like a stranger in a strange land。
Then； when the night was over and the Bakers were
piling out the front door； something else strange happened。 Juli touched my arm。 And for the
first time that night she was looking at me。 It was that
look； too； channeled directly and solely at me。 She says； “I'm sorry I was so angry when we
first came in。 Everyone had a good time； and I think your
mom's really nice for inviting us。”
Her voice ost a whisper。 I just stood there like a moron； staring at her。
“Bryce？” she says； touching my arm again。 “Did you hear me？ I'm sorry。”
I managed a nod； but my arm was tingling； and my heart was pounding； and I felt myself
pulling toward her。
Then she was gone。 Out the door and into the night； part of a chorus of happy good…byes。 I
tried to catch my breath。 What was that？ What was
wrong with me？
My mother closed the door and said； “There。 Now what did I tell you？ That is one delightful
family！ Those boys are nothing like I expected。 Lyta；
why didn't you tell me they were so…so charming！”
“They're drug dealers is what they are。”
Everyone turned to my father and dropped their jaws。
“What？” my mother said。
“There is no other way those