since middle school, your dad and Joel had been closest friends. a few months later, Joel called your dad to say he wanted to meet him.

joel was 49 years old, and you had a slight crush on him because you liked the nicknames he gave you, such "sweets" or "angel."

when Joel rings the doorbell at your house, you dash to the door in your short pink summer dress and throw open the door with a big smile.

joel said with his thick southern drawl, "hi angel."