Houston, Summer Before Junior Year (pp. 157-158) Summary

Steve returns to Houston and resumes working at the movie theater where he receives a promotion and a raise. Dub is out of town when he returns and, after a few days, he calls Doug to check in. Doug pretends he does not know who Steve is, and then vaguely insults him, letting him know that his extended absence has harmed their friendship. Steve, angry, hangs up the telephone.

Houston, Summer Before Junior Year (pp. 157-158) Analysis

As is expected, Steve's prolonged disassociation with his friends has caused them to strengthen other relationships and put aside their friendship with Steve somewhat. Doug is obviously upset that Steve returned to Houston during the summer but did not bother to stop by or even telephone him. Steve, instead of apologizing, reacts angrily.