— That’s yours? — Al’s tone shifted from mocking to impressed.
— Brand new, straight from the dealership.
— Olivia, seriously? How does he pull that off? — the others chimed in.
— He spoils me, Al. He’s doing very well for himself, and he likes me to have the best of everything.
— Well, I believe in taking care of myself, too. I’ve got a new truck being delivered next month, — John Miller added. — Never got married, so why not spend the money on the things I enjoy?
— That’s right, the eternal bachelor! You spend all your time at that clinic of yours, but I bet the new nurses keep things interesting! — Al let out a loud, boisterous laugh.
Years had passed, but Al Patterson’s manners hadn’t changed a bit: he was still his own biggest fan.
— I just haven’t found the right one yet. I take these things seriously, — John countered. He was now the head of surgery at the local hospital.
— And me? I found her, I married her, and we’ve been happy for twenty-five years. My girls are beautiful, — Al said with genuine pride. — Plus, we’re about to move into our dream home.
— No kidding? — said Mike, the former class brain. — Where are you building? Somewhere like Pinecrest Estates?
— I wish! To get into Pinecrest, I’d have to sell a lot more sporting goods than I do. But it’s a nice new development just outside the city. We’ll be very comfortable there.
— Good for you, Al! Who would’ve thought? Back in school, you were barely passing. The teachers said you’d be lucky to find a job sweeping floors. Look at you now—a solid businessman.
Liz Evans, the undisputed prom queen of their year, took a graceful sip of her wine and looked Al over with an evaluating eye. She looked flawless: toned figure, salon hair, professional makeup. She owned a successful chain of boutiques and made sure everyone knew it.
