” I smiled my embarrassment and apologized to both. “Tell you what, John and I will clean up. You relax.”I laughed and stood up, scooping up Joh...n’s plate with mine as I moved to Jake. I kissed him as I piled his on top of the others. “No, you two relax and talk. Pour me a drink of whatever you are going to be drinking and I will clean up. It won’t take long.” I stood between them. “I hope the evening isn’t coming to an end.”Jake laughed, “That was what I was asking you, but you didn’t respond.”. While Tim wasn’t prepared for this, it only got worse when Coach Jim answered the door. He had on a wife beater shirt that showed lots of muscles and a pair of shorts that left little to the imagination of what was under them.Tim was sure that the beer in his hand wasn’t his first. That probably explained why the coach took a moment to recognize him.“Well hey, Shrimp. How’s it going? Now, I already told your dad on the phone I had to cut you from the team. Nothing personal. So, I’m sorry you. I was mortified, Glen (I refused to call him Colonel after our blow-up) was furious, Beth had been overcome with laughter and May had kept most of her composure and announced that at least someone knew good pie when they smelled it. After that, I always got an extra-large piece at holidays and she always gave me a kiss on the cheek for my appreciation. She chuckled and told me I was still a flatterer.“Hang on and I’ll call Beth to the phone for you.”“Actually, I called to chat with you,” I told. He was just going through the motions. Then he heard some shouting and barking.He followed the sounds to an open doorway. Looking in, he saw a number of dogs and humans. A band was playing. He started listening and heard Elvis! (Hound Dog) and Patty Page! (Doggie in the Window). And a bunch of other doggone good songs about dogs.As he was listening, a hand reached out and grabbed him. He was pulled into the room. “You’re late! Things are just getting started. Get on up there!” Slightly dazed,.