P-J embraced Rayne back and was smiling even more broadly than when he arrived. P-J said, "Great seeing you Rayne. Again thanks for the invite here it's so what I needed." 

Rayne went on to greet some others and P-J just took it all in. He was seeing so many people he didn't know and yet he felt like he should. All that being said P-J was used to being comfortable in a room full of people he didn't know, Every Saturday 20,000-25,000 cheered for him as he hit the field and played like there was no tomorrow. In this case though P-J didn't feel the pressure to perform for this group, and P-J felt a great sense of relief wash over him. That he could just be himself even though he only really knew Rayne and a few of others from some of his classes was okay with him. 

One thing that once again stood out to P-J was that he was the tallest guy in the room. Ever since he was 17 he was tied with being the tallest person in his family. P-J was the seventh of eight kids and for years his siblings would razz him about his age. Then came one morning when they all stood up at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, and P-J was the same height as the oldest sibling Patrick. Last year he passed him and P-J loved the fact that he now towered over everyone else. Then again though his father was very quick to point he could still knock him down with one punch. Growing up in a somewhat tough part of town P-J's dad made sure his kids could handle themselves, and to that end he taught them all boxing techniques.

Just then someone by Dai introduced himself, and clearly he was caught off guard by what was going on. This whole situation reminded P-J of the many parties back in his hometown. One person tells a friend that the folks are going out of town, and that they are gonna raid the liquor cabinet. Then that person tells another, then another, and before you know it you gotta a riot. Although it didn't happen to often in his neighborhood, because it was pretty amazing how well-behaved people were when they found out that there was a cop living in the neighborhood.

Dai tried to look pleasant and friendly but his nervousness was showing. P-J grabbed his gear and began to walk in. As he did he made a point to stop and talk to Dai. P-J said, "P-J McCabe thanks for letting Rayne invite me. I'll do what I can to make sure you don't regret this." He gave a nod and said, "It'll be okay. Listen if I have to crash on a couch that's okay it won't be the first time. I do it at least once a week in the film room at the Athletic Complex."

With that P-J walked into the cabin and was amazed at how massive and just welcoming it all felt.

He said, "Yep I think this has the makings of a great summer."