Who needs a big brother? I have two.
I had to tell mom and dad I had a date, which gave the old man an excuse to criticize denim and re-assure me that girls hated jeans, and soon Allie would break up with me. (The old man is an expert on anything that you don’t ask him about. ) Steve is also in jeans, though they’re more worn than mine. His shirt is tucked in, Yipes! I swallow my surprise.
First stop: Sarah.
“Steve, who named a roach, a roach?”
“You mean weed?”
“Yea.”
“I have no fucking idea. Did Doug tell you about that?”
I nod. “I’m getting an education. Did you know that Little Green Bag song is about pot?”
“Yeah, it is.” A wave of the hand. “Okay song, I guess. Just don’t talk much about Doug. I don’t think Sarah likes him, but she’s not going to judge Alison, don’t worry.”
We pull up at a modest, two-story house in rich town, flanked by old stone monsters–new money in the sandwich cookie. Great porch, two car garage. Sign in, stranger.
Front door opens. Sarah is a blonde, hair swinging free under a blue cap. Cute little nose, very thin lips and large glasses. Acne is fighting for control over her face. Average build, with a maxi-skirt past her knees. Mid-heel lace-up shoes that look new.
They kiss briefly. She turns and offers her hand. “Ready for an adventure?”
“Yes, this’ll be fun. Thanks so much for letting us tag along.”
Steve slides Jefferson Airplane in the 8-track. Sarah and I chat about music. She is a big fan of folkie Joan Baez and Peter Paul and Mary. I only know one of their songs, but she knows it by heart.
Steve snorts in disgust. “She doesn’t like the Byrds or Jimi. The only reason she likes the Doors is that Morrison is cute.”
“It’s true. I think if I ever saw the Doors, I’d scream like one of those Beatle fans.” She pulls off the hat, a cascade of corn silk flows down. “Some of us in the chorus go sing Mamas and Papas songs during study hall. The chorus teacher is so old, it’s embarrassing.”
I mention the cheerleaders singing on the bus. Bad move.
“Those girls can sing, but my God, they are snotty bitches.”
Oboy, let’s pick up Allie soon. I need help.