Times have changed and times are strange

 "It's so amazing! Bro," Jared flashed a smile a little too close for Randy's comfort at the impromptu party that had turned into a barbecue, even if there was a chance of snow. Randy felt cornered in the livingroom. He could tell Monica was just as uncomfortable as he was. Actually, he didn't know what he was getting into when he got here. There were drinks and cocktails; maybe Jared had one too many.

"What?" Randy stood there, puzzled, with a plate of appetizers he was wolfing down.

"You know, the shagging." Jared was so innocent about the matter. Still, Randy almost lost the meatball on the carpet. He closed his mouth full of food and nodded. He managed to get it down before he choked. Naturally, Jared handed him something more than just Fresca. It was laced with grapefruit juice and vodka.

Randy wanted to say no, but Jared was talking so much. How could he refuse? He was thirsty. But the drink awoke him, and he knew it would be bad if he drank the whole thing. 

Jared was talking about the white chawaha again. According to Jared, it was the neighbor's dog, not his grandmother's.

"It's like he doesn't know me at all! He doesn't want to know me!" Jared was growing angry and restless. Randy was the only one who noticed. He watched him, hoping he would calm down.

"I know you're upset. I would be too. But I think deep down, Justin does care. It's just he's, you know, jealous."

"Jealous?" Jared's scowl intensified. "He..He had mum all this time, I didn't!"

Randy nodded.

"But it's the past. Think how happy you are with Nori. Maybe you two could see your mother. Have you sent her any photos lately? You should keep in contact." Randy did his best to console him. 

"She doesn't want me," he blubbered right into Randy's shoulder. Suddenly, Randy couldn't move. His plate of food set in his chair. He gave him a couple of pats on the back for comfort. A part of Randy felt he was wedged in cement.

"Oh God, why me?" he sighed, wondering how long this could go on. Finally, Nori and Mel came to the rescue. Nori babied him on the couch. Monica had her phone out as if she were waiting to call 911.

A minute barely passed, and Kevin strolled in from the patio with a plate of sizzling New York Strips.