Joan took a last sip and looked around. Most people seemed occupied. Maybe she could sneak out without anyone noticing.

But a moment later, Vanessa strolled up to her and handed her another beer. “You look like you’re counting down the minutes until you can leave.”

Joan laughed. “I think I’ve had my share of socializing for now,” she said as they stood on the edge of Steve and Helene’s pool. “Present company excluded from my complaining, of course.”

Hank walked into the backyard, hours late to the BBQ. Everyone cheered, even Joan. They’d gone up in the T-38s four more times together since that first ride. Each time, Hank had let her take more control of the jet than the time before.

She found Donna’s mooning over him to be a bit much. But she had to admit, he was one of the good ones. She thought of him the way she thought young children must think of Willy Wonka. Here was the door to all the magic and danger.

“I mean, Griff and Donna are great. Hank, I like. You’re great. But some of these other guys, I could do without. No offense, but I could be at home right now with a good book.”

Vanessa laughed and sipped her beer. “You’re awfully grumpy.”

“I am not grumpy.”

“It’s a good thing.”

“How is it a good thing? To be grumpy?”

“It gives you some much-needed dirt on your clothes.”

“What?”

“Otherwise, you’re a little too perfect,” Vanessa said. “Smart, well-rounded, always five minutes early, nice to everyone. A little edge to you is good.”

Joan turned to look at her. “I have plenty of edge to me.”

“I know. You’re grumpy and a little antisocial,” Vanessa said, sipping her beer again. “So am I. It’s nice to see.”

Joan frowned.

“It’s a compliment. You’re like Marlon Brando,” Vanessa said as she leaned in and shoved her shoulder into Joan’s.

Joan tried to maintain her frown, but it wasn’t working. “How am I anything like Marlon Brando?”

Vanessa put her beer down on a folding table covered with a vinyl tablecloth.

“Okay, so…” Vanessa said. “Before Streetcar, Marlon Brando was gorgeous, sure. But almost too beautiful. Maybe a little…boringly beautiful? But then, during the run of the play, he’s goofing around, boxing some guys backstage. He gets decked in the face, right across the nose. Pow!”

Vanessa mimicked somebody getting knocked out. Joan was trying to stay irritated, but it was a helium balloon and she was losing her grip on the string.