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Next to theare dozens of lass, advertising different special events and discounted specials and, of course, the anniversary party A new one has been recently added to the raph of the ap-toothed and grinning In big block letters above her iirl with the blond ponytail, the one as standing with the cops and seemed somehow familiar, must be related to Madeline Snow They have the same wide-spaced eyes, the saer to the word Missing, as if I could erase it I briefly think about the story Parker tolda big s to order, or what?" Parker says

"Is everything okay?" I’m careful not to look at him My throat is still as dry as chalk I want to buy a water but don’t want to ask Parker to get it "You seem a little"

"A little what?" He leans forward on his elbows, eyes dark, uns" I take a deep breath "Is it because of the party?"

Now it’s Parker’s turn to look away--overout"

"Sorry" I don’t bother pointing out that technically, I never said I would co well"

"Really? Didn’t seem like it" He makes a face Then I re, talking, threatening to splash each other with the industrial cleaning hose He knoas feeling just fine

"I wasn’t in the mood to party" There’s no way I can tell hi Dara toherself in, wearing one of her backless, strapless, gravity-defying tank tops and a thick covering of eye shadow; that she would insist that I change into sorip er sister "Did you have fun?"

He just shakes his head and et angry

"Forget it," he says I spot Shirley waddling toward us, scowling as usual Parker must see her at the same time, because he backs up, toward the door sandwiched between the deep fryer and the ht expands across the narrow space, touching boxes of ha stacks of plastic soda lids

"Parker--"

"I said forget it Seriously It’s no big deal I’m not mad" Then he disappears, silhouetted , and Shirley takes his place, shuffling up to the counter, huffing,to the bleached-blond hair on her upper lip