Chapter 4: Birthday Party
September 12. I receive an e-mail from Patty Ashland. The subject reads PERSONAL. I open the e-mail and read:
You’re invited to a surprise twenty-ninth birthday pool party for my brother, Joey Ashland.
Date: September 23
Place: Patty Ashland’s house
4582 Frost Drive
Time: 7:00 P.M.
Things to bring:
A gift for Joey. A swimsuit.
Please R.S.V.P.
I hit Reply and type: Count me in. Can’t wait to attend.
About twenty minutes later, Patty hits me back with: Confirmed. Can’t wait to see you there.
* * * *
I arrive at Patty’s house on time with a present for Joey, my Diesel swimsuit, a towel, and Adidas flip flops. It’s a barbecue: wide green backyard, mingling guests, volleyball game. Eighties rock-and-roll music blares from human-sized speakers around the pr
