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I decide not to give two craps about any of that “Get to your point, Nowak”

“The point is Toby It’s always been Toby” He tries to look up at round “You make him so happy, Vann Isn’t that obvious? I mean … he made me happy, too, but I don’t make him happy I think it’s time I face some truths … and take hold of my own key for once”

“What are you saying, Nowak?”

“I’m sayin’ I may not be ready to turn e to look at et back together with your Toby, and damn it, Vann, I want to help you do it”

21 | TOBY

When the alarm clock screa the innocent little thing off the nightstand, sending it flying halfway across the room

I lift y to apologize to it

At least not this

Mondays have always sucked It’s a historical fact, nothing new But after the way I’ve left things before Thanksgiving break with Vann and Hoyt, I’h It takes so , let alone look attoday Six degrees of crazy, that’s what This doesn’t bode well for my Monday at all

When I’ve gotat uess—and with all s h the fridge for a bite to eat before running off A scuffling set of footsteps brings y-eyed stepdad to the counter where he starts up a pot of coffee, then drops into a chair at the dining room table and cradles his head He doesn’t say a word to nore him in return I pop two slices of bread into the toaster, then wait patiently

And then the unthinkable happens “Toby?”

I flinch at first Then: “Yeah?”

“Do you think you’ll …” Carl’s voice is exceptionally deep and croaky thisHe rubs his eyes, then finishes: “Do you think you’ll do the spring play?”

We’re not looking at each other e talk “No,” I answer as I pull out the jae and a knife from the drawer