At 1:15 Brendan asks, “When’s your friend supposed to show?” With a shrug, CJ admits, “I don’t know.” Richard will get here when he does—he said he might run a little late, didn’t he? Something about a meeting, CJ doesn’t really remember exactly what. Besides, right now he’s too busy to worry about it too much. He and Mick are taking turns at the curb, doing heel flips, kick jumps, handstands, anything to outdo each other. CJ thinks he’s winning, if anyone’s keeping score. He’s only fallen once, when he lost his balance and his board flew out from under him, sending him down on one knee while pain as thick and oily as smoke sizzled through his thigh. Mick though, the kid can’t seem to stay upright. “Are you sure you’ve done this before?” CJ jokes. Mick jumps off his board just