Chapter 67

“You got big,” said Rob.

“You did, too. And hairy. Last time I saw you all you had was a bit of bum fluff on your top lip. Now look at you. Thick beard and mo. Looks like you got some hair on your chest as well.”

They laughed again. Rob leaned over the table, holding up the palm of his hand for Duke to high five.

“I can’t believe it. I can’t believe I didn’t recognise you.”

“It’s been a while. My parents moved away before we finished high school.”

“That’s right. To Queensbury. You were pissed off because it was just a couple of months before graduation.” Rob shook his head. The whole situation seemed surreal. “You said you’d keep in touch, but you never did.”

Duke laughed and Rob noticed how his eyes twinkled in the light. “Didn’t have computers and mobile phones back then. Too much hard work doing some actual writing.”

“Well, what do you reckon about that?”

He stood up and Duke followed suit. “Welcome back, buddy.”

They hugged and slapped each other on the back.