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"I'ood How about you and Carl?"

"We're good,” he says “Carl got off early, and he's grilling burgers We wish you were here"

"I wish that, too"

"So I saw Jenna'sHer finals are over now We were just wondering when you ht be home”

"Oh yeah” I feel bad I haven’t thought to call her “I'll be home inman, Mom I don't really know" Jesus, I a bad," I rush out "I justhave some other plans" I inhale deeply and just spit it out "I' someone Likea boyfriend"

I can tell my mom is shocked by her tone when she says, "You are?"

"Yeah I a to like When you meet him" I'm surprised my eyes well as I say that I s hard and say, "Which will be soon I can't say for sure, but maybe Christmas"

It's the 14th of Deceht now—Ezra’s birthday He has off from practice today—Friday—to to stay in his dorain Tuesday and Wednesday h Wednesday the 26th He has to be back in Tuscaloosa Thursday the 27th They practice that day and then Friday the 28th, and they fly out to California for the Rose Bowl Saturday the 29th I'ht before his He just doesn't know it yet There're a few things that he doesn't know I s of that

"Josh? Are you still here?"

"Huh? Sorry Yeah I'm still here"

"You're bringing him home for Christ so I can prepare? Does he plan to use ourspare room?"

My poor"Ezra’s room"

"Yeah, that would be great If you want to make that bed for him, I would appreciate it"