The sky turned pitch black, and the air grew cool. Martin set up a barbecue grill on the clearing in front of the RV, specifically to entertain Jody, who had come from far away.
Thomas, who had just hurried over, carried a bucket of beer and poured a cup each for Martin, Louise, and Jody.
Bruce brought over some roasted vegetables and meats.
This was Jody's first real face-to-face meeting with Martin himself. She raised her cup and said, "Thank you for your hospitality."
Martin clinked glasses with her, smiling, and said, "You should thank Old Cloth instead."
Jody drank the wine in her cup and blew a kiss to Bruce.
Bruce glanced at Jody's slender figure and pretended not to notice.
Jody then toasted Louise and Thomas separately and then chatted with everyone like any ordinary friend.
Even though she had gotten a lead on the way over—there was big news from two crews shooting in Death Valley—and was dying with curiosity, she still managed to suppress it.
