As in:
It had been the best of years and the worst of years for Grady Hickerson. The small inheritance from his aunt had been enough for a new car and a new suit, both of which helped him land his best job, ever, as an insurance adjustor. This increment of success helped fueled his dream of becoming a lawyer and when he was accepted to law school he thought he experienced, for the first time ever, some level of approval and acceptance from his father.
Another plus is that the Minoxidil had worked, and his retreating hairline had not only ceased its abatement, but healthy follicles had returned in the thinning areas above his temples.
On the down side there had been the dissolution of the softball team he’d played on for eight years, after most of the infield was arrested for securities fraud. That was hard and awkward, as the encouragement you give to a smart-fielding shortstop (“Tough break.” “We’ll get ‘em next time.” “Dust yourself off.”) does not carry over so well as encouragement for your pal the newly convicted felon.
Also, the fire in his basement the night of Archie’s bachelor party had slightly burned a stripper and ruined an expensive billiards table. But that case had settled.
Then there was Miranda. He was thirty. He was prospering, his hair was coming back. Jeezus. What was there not to like?
At least that’s how he saw it. She had to know how much he loved her even though he’d not been quite as direct as he perhaps should have been, what with his suave detachment and all.
Well, that had to end. It was the last day of the year and the Scotch and soda spoke so clearly to him. It had a voice like George C. Scott. It said now was the time. Even in the midst of the ice storm. To take the banjo over to Miranda’s apartment and serenade her from the back yard as she dressed for the New Year’s Eve party.
This he did. He chose the Springsteen/Patti Smith song, “Because the Night,” and sang it as well as you could hope to sing it with a banjo as lead. At least he thought he was singing it well.
She opened the window briefly.
“Go home Grady!” is what she shouted back.
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