Valerie "Oh my god, Eli, is that you?!" I exclaimed. "Hey Val!" He said, pulling me in for a suffocating bear hug. "You look great!" I said excitedly. Eli was many things growing up, but muscular was not one of them. The army obviously changed that. He was a walking muscle now, sporting a six pack that was evident from his beige t-shirt. Eli had black hair like me, but his was short. He was probably about five ten or eleven, at least a head taller than me. "I brought beer." He said, handing me a case. "I like beer." I smiled. "Nice place." Eli said as he took his boots off. "Thanks, it's a rental." I shrugged. He didn't need to know I lived here rent free just yet. "I have picky foods on the table in the living room. Make yourself comfortable." I said while I pulled two beers o