“Man that Giggles was funny as hell, but he sure was a mean drunk,” Sam said.

“And he knew it too, which is why he dried out for six months. I’ll never forget the day we all dropped him off at rehab. He was so drunk we couldn’t even get him out of the clown suit,â€? Ruby said.

“Have you heard from anyone lately?â€? Sam asked as he grabbed a towel and slipped into the shower.

“Giggles turned thirty last weekend and Flying Jenny’s got a new act. I was thinking we could have them over for a little birthday party – show them around a bit. The carnival is here in town so we could all catch up on things,â€? Ruby said.

“Will they have time to stop by?” Sam asked through the bathroom door. “Hell, if enough of the gang comes, we’ll just put up a bally stage in the front yard. What would Mr. Jeffers make of that? Ha!â€?

“Should I tell them to come then, Sam?â€? Ruby asked.

“Sure, let’s do it. I wouldn’t want to miss the chance to catch up.â€? Sam said.

When the doorbell rang, Ruby brushed the lint off her dress.