Every Sunday, I try to post an excerpt from my novel, The Awakening of Russell Henderson. Here’s another. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com/author/edwardlehner.

The day was a perfect balmy California day. People started arriving around 3:30. I made myself a vow to behave and watch my alcohol consumption. Hanna was pulling me around to meet everyone. I remember when she told me that she had an eclectic group of friends and they were all there. I met Mike and Ronald who were planning their wedding. Then an older couple, friends of Meg and Frank, who were from Turkey. He was an artist and she taught international economics at Berkley. I met Chloe who was partners with Nadia, both arriving on their Harleys. There were people of color. There were artists, musicians, writers, designers, all creative types. It was a group of people I would never have imagined ever being with. They were super nice and made me feel like I was their long time friend. 

I was talking to Mike and Ronald. They were funny and two of the nicest guys I had ever met. Ronald said, “God, Russell, you are so cute, Hanna is so lucky and I’m so jealous.” Mike shot him a dirty look and Ronald just laughed, “I’m getting another drink, Russell, your hands are empty, what can I get you?”

“Ah, nothing. I’m trying to behave and act sensible tonight.”

“God, Russell, don’t be such a tight ass. Enjoy. It’s a fucking party. Let it go.”