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Thenat this table witha bite of steak with his hardworking hands Giving short glances atadorably each time he’s asked a simple question Maybe he would have just co he works, sweaty and red-faced, muscles in his arms sore from his day’s work, a total dream boy

I bearable

“I already made a friend,” I state

My father makes a musical hu on and on Who are they?”

I didn’t mean to say it aloud It’s not even that true Maybe I just want to get my dad off my back “He’s in a few of my classes”

“What’s his na alive

Here’s where the real fun begins “Toby Michaels,” I answer her cal his full name from the roll calls

She pauses, troubled for a moment “No, I don’t remember a Michaels That isn’t one of the names here in Spruce Is there no one in your classes with the last name McPherson? Or Evans?”

“Or Strong?” suggestsup on my mom’s hints

I struggle not to roll my eyes They roll anyway “Well, he’sor an Evans or a whatever First guy I met Seems nice Acts normal Wouldn’t harm a fly” The words pour out in an unile rebel bone in his skinny body You’d be so proud of me”

My father, not picking up on a note ofman Will you invite him over sometime? Maybe this weekend?”

“Noait a“You said Toby …? Is this …” She sets down her glass and squints at me “Is this the boy you defended in the lunch room? The one for whom you went to the principal’s office?”

I take a measured breath, then nod