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“Actually, I ought to thank you, really,” I throw back

Anthony’s face freezes “Why?”

“Because if it wasn’t for you stealin’ my prom date, I’d never have found the real one I should’ve taken all along” I give Bobby a smart look, which warms his face at once

Anthony tries to find that funny The laugh hewas incredible And I’m not just sayin’ that You Bobby Really, an inspiration”

“He’s the inspiration,” I say, turningmy man a wink

Bobby’s face brightens with accomplishment

And just like that, everything in ain

We spend the better part of another hour greeting people, thanking people, listening to congratulations and co each other’s hands proudly I’ve never in my life been ht noith Bobby Parker in front of the world of Spruce

"And right there in theloud,”e approach, “it sounded like applause! Like … quick, staccato applause I literally stopped what I was doin’ and looked around to see if someone had performed a dance or made a toast"

I don’t knohat that’s in reference to, but after a burst of laughter from his crowd of former football buddies and new ones, my brother Tanner faces ht with pride The pride turns into es ht

“Bro, if I’d known …”

“Knohat?” I blurt, ainst his shoulder “That I was in love with my best friend? Hell, I didn’t even know until my heart near burst to flame when I kissed him this summer”

Tanner pulls away and giveshysterically, I can’t tell “Nah, bro I ay bar instead of the crappy one I sent you both to” Then he guffaws heartily and sla “G’damn, and to think of all the boobs Mama found on your phone over the years …”

“Tanner, you’re suffocatin’ ainst him, red-faced

He lets go ofwith Bobby “Take care of hih for h-uy I know—” “Am not!” I interject feebly “—and I happen to know a lot of high-ot your work cut out for ya”