“It’s not even hot, man,” Jackie said, about to touch the machine to demonstrate.

“No, don’t!” His voice cracked.

She sighed at the oppression of conventional wisdom but dropped her hand.

“So the man in the tan jacket has been giving the paper to lots of people?”

“Not sure how many, but certainly a good amount. Old Woman Josie has one, but I suppose you know that. I hear even Stacy got one recently, and she’s a sentient patch of haze. Lovely being. Once told me the best way to pickle grapes. It was a fun recipe. Never did try it.”

“How well do you know Diane Crayton?” Jackie pressed.

He laughed, although not at a joke. He laughed because he was happy. Jackie winced, although she could not say exactly what it was that annoyed her.

“Great woman. Been working on the PTA with her for years. Never could get her to come around on invisible pie, but other than that we’ve never had a real difference on anything. We’ve talked a lot lately because she needs someone to talk through the whole Josh thing with. And all that stuff with Troy.”

“Oh?” Jackie said. She failed to make her voice casual or patient. “Who is Troy?”

“I really shouldn’t say.” Steve frowned. “Not my story to tell and all that. Hey, so can I see your paper?”

“Yeah.”

He sat down across from her, taking the paper from her hand. He studied it, admired it. His face was so full of excitement it was difficult for him to keep the words in order as they came barreling out of his mouth.