Let them brush your rock and roll hair

 

Jared hadn't wanted to celebrate the Fourth. It was just an irritating holiday to him, but he figured he'd have to go to get Justin out of his room.

"You have to see your friends, you know, they are worried about you and Carmen," Jared somehow persuaded Justin. However, he didn't think Justin thought of his old friend Ari, who had helped him in the beginning. Besides, there was Derrick and Eric and a few people Jared had never met. 

Of course, there was no Jewel. He'd expected it. Still, many were Jade's friends. And of course, Ari did the grilling. The guys stood around drinking beer. Some, not even the real thing. Jared got a good laugh at that, yet they made him feel the odd man out. Even the beer he drank was light, not the heavy-duty stuff he was used to back at the pub, but he didn't mention it. It was good to see his brother had so many friends, and they all welcomed him.

It seemed to him now that maybe he'd met all the wrong ones before. But it was a pleasant crowd. Maybe this would be the night to meet someone new. Someone who would be that opportunity he needed. But no, no extra lass about. Nothing of the sort.

Just Hoyt. Yeah, the only two long-haired dudes there. He was newly married with a house. Of course, he said next year he would host. Lots of big plans in the making, evidently. Sure, it put Jared off. Besides, Hoyt would be a new dad by November. Again, Jared felt down and out. It was time for another beer.

"So what do you do for a living?" Jared asked as if he wanted to know his secret.

"Oh, I just work for the City," he shrugged. He mowed lawns, for the most part. He'd been learning more on the job with maintaining the city buildings when needed. That's when Hoyt mentioned some openings at City. Jared perked up. Maybe Jared needed a new friend.