章節 18: Chapter 18

Turning, I saw Alex entering the backyard. He looked good dressed in dark jeans, a blue button-down shirt, and a blue blazer. He stopped when he saw Darren, but I waved him over. He smiled and waved back before heading our way.

“Who is that?” Darren asked, looking him over.

“Thatis my stepbrother Alex.”

“Nice.”

“Straight, I think.”

“You think?” Darren asked just as Alex came into earshot.

“Hey, Scott,” Alex said. “I’m sorry I dropped by without calling first. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s fine,” I assured him. “Alex, this is my friend Darren. Darren, this is my stepbrother, Alex.”

The men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries before Darren announced he had to be going.

“Don’t leave on my account,” Alex told him.

“No, I’ve got to pick up my niece from her friend’s house in a half hour, so I need to get going. I just stopped by to see how Scott was doing.” He turned to me. “Talk to you later. And tell your mom that my mom will see her Tuesday at their book club.”