Danielle chimed in.

“Just in time to help us carry these down to my car!"

I paused, at the very edge of my control. I looked at the two of them, still happily together after so many years, blazing green envy shooting from my eyes.

“How do you do it? How do you find your soulmate and hold onto them? How do you know she's the one?" There was a hollow note of pain in my voice.

They looked at each other for a moment, obviously perplexed by my behavior. Danielle asked, "You okay?"

“Not really. Just give me a minute and then I'll come back and help you."

I walked into my bedroom and closed the door. Only then did I collapse onto the floor and begin sobbing like a little baby.

SUMMER BREAK, PRE-JUNIOR YEAR (June 2000)

“Can you believe it's already been two years?"

I glanced over at Nate, drained my beer and then chuck it in a high arc off the bridge.

“Naw... feels like we were just here yesterday.”

I wasn't too worried. That was only my second and I knew I had a pretty good tolerance. But I didn't reach for another one. Instead, I just leaned against my car.

“How's football?"

"Good, good. Our starting quarterback graduated, so now I finally think it's my time. Of course, the coach tells everyone it's an open competition. But I know the playbook inside and out, and these freshmen are all flash and no substance. You'd better keep your eyes on ESPN.”

As if to punctuate his remarks, Nate's can flew off into the heavens.

As expected, it went a good ways farther than mine.

We both watched the can sail off into the distance, eventually splashing down into the river. I was just starting to get to the maturity level when I'd at least think twice about aluminum beer cans in major rivers, but not yet to the age where I really cared that much.

Nate was the first to break the silence.

"So, what's up? If you just wanted to hang out, we could've hit a pool hall. I'm guessing you've got something on your mind."

“How's Monica?" I asked quickly, still staring off at the river.

He took the abrupt change in topic smoothly.

“She's good. We should all get together again, for old time's sake. At least, meet up for coffee or drinks or something.”

I nodded.

“And how are you two?"

Nate just started in on a new beer.