The word “hurry” pounded around inside Joe’s brain and pumped through his veins. Soon, soon, what?! He didn't know but he felt sure he was finally going to touch Christy's bright, soft hair. He rushed through his shower and barely dried himself off before he pulled on his clothes. They kind of stuck. He pulled his shirt away from his damp torso. Dummy. Now he looked like he had been sweating. He went to the hand dryer and ripped off his T-shirt. After he punched the button he put the shirt on the nozzle. The hot air had little effect.

Darryl came up to him and said, “Hurry up, Cinderella or you are gonna miss the ball.”

Joe pulled his shirt back on and they headed into the parking lot. Once inside Purple Bomb, Darryl muttered the required word or prayer. He turned the key, but the car didn’t so much as cough. With more sincerity, he tried again, nothing.

This could not be happening! If they had to call Darryl’s dad to tow the stupid car, then there would be no Christy Thorton, and no possibilities! Possibilities of what, Joe was not sure, but he knew they were they and he was not going to miss them because of this STUPID heap of junk.

A third time Darryl prayed. He turned the key again. Not a sound. In frustration Joe struck the dash with both fists.

“Hey, don’t you be abusing my car. Be gentle. Purple Bomb does not respond to violence.” Darryl closed his eyes and folded his hands, softly he whispered, “Please.”

Nothing.

Darryl shook his head and looked at Joe. He said, “Maybe Jesus knows you intend to fornicate, and that’s why he’s not blessing Purple Bomb with life.”

Angrily Joe said, “Stop talking about your damn car like it’s a person Jesus has to resurrect seven times a day.” In his head, the word fornicate echoed. Was he going to miss that because of this idiotic piece of junk? No! He got out and opened the hood. Darryl's dad always messed with wires when the car wouldn't start. In the dim light Joe surveyed the filthy motor. Desperate and unsure of what to do, he made sure each wire was firmly connected to what ever it came out of. When he finished, he said, “Try again.”

“Yes, sir.” Darryl turned the key. The motor made a funny noise like it wasn’t going to turn over. Joe kicked the car. The engine coughed, then rattled. Darryl punched the gas, it roared. He hollered, “Get in before she changes her mind.”

Gently Joe closed the hood, he didn’t want to do anything to upset the engine, lest it cut off. He slid into the car and cautiously closed the door.

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Darryl put it in drive and they were thrust backwards. “You go girl!” Purple Bomb spun out and swerved into the night.

As they drove down the road the houses changed from three bedroom ranches, to larger homes. When they hit Bay Road Joe’s elation began to turn to apprehension. He was completely out of his element. These houses were so big, like mammoths hunched by the bay. Flashes of reflected moonlight glinted around them. How did a person act in a place like that? Only really rich people lived in these houses. He had known Christy had money, but he didn't know she was this rich. What was it like to be rich? It was his plan to find out. In his imagination the future Pro Josiah Aaron would live in a mansion by the bay. Next door Mama would have her own mansion. At the thought of Mama, Joe shut off his brain. It would do him no good to think about Mama. She would not like where he was going.

Darryl turned into the driveway of huge Victorian house. It glowed white in the moonlight. Reverently Darryl whispered, “Damn.” He stopped Purple Bomb. The car jerked, and rattled. It seemed intent to keep going. Darryl looked around at the other cars, BMW’s, SUV’s and a couple sports cars. He cooed, “Don’t worry Purple Bomb, Daddy loves you just the way you are.”

The car died. Darryl yanked out the key and said, “Hope she starts when it is time to go.”

It was way too soon to think about leaving. Joe climbed out of the car. Salty air filled his nostrils. He took in a deep breath. This was the air he wanted his mother to breath not that awful nursing home air. Not Mama again. He turned his attention to the sound of the surf upon the shore. Beyond the houses was a beach. Poor people weren't allowed on that beach.

The stained glass front door opened. Christy stepped into the night. Loud music spewed from the house. Joe watched Christy walk toward him. His heart rate sputtered. He couldn’t breath, he couldn’t move. Darryl came around the car and stood behind him.

Christy stopped just inches away from Joe. She looked at Darryl and said, “Jade Waters was talking about you.”

Cautiously, Darryl asked, “Really?”

“Yeah, I told her you were coming. She’s in the game room. Just follow the main hall till it ends.”

“Uh, yeah, okay.” Darryl moved passed Joe and went into the house.

Christy moved even closer. So close he could smell her fancy perfume, and feel her breath on his throat. Without a word, she slipped her hand into his. It was warm and soft. He glanced down at their hands, black and white fingers entwined. She asked, “Want to go for a walk?”