Before Johnny even finishes his main course—a large club sandwich that arrived without his ordering it, thank you, Lou—the two ‘adults,’ as Johnny can’t help but think of them, stand at the end of the table amid a flutter of noisy air kisses and half-heard promises. “This was wonderful,” Becky gushes, clasping Lou in an one-armed hug. “We simply must do this again sometime.”
Wonderful for who? Johnny wonders as he takes one last large bite of his sandwich before he stands. When Becky turns toward him, he feels his cheeks pooch out from the half-chewed wad in his mouth around which he can’t speak.
“Johnny, darling,” she sighs, pulling him close for a real hug. In his ear, she says, “You and Roxy are going to become great friends, I just know it.”
Swallowing quickly, Johnny gives Roxy an
