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“It’s our ho than it is”

“You’re ashamed to be seen in the same room with me How could I possibly take that personally?”

Paul rubbed his te words into be here any minute, can we finish this later?”

“You want ay ass out of your Christian house?”

“Why do you have to say things like that?”

“Fine, Paul Whatever You’re corabbed his iPod and ot your wish I’m out of here But don’t expectthe front door behind him

Paul chased after him “Ian!” he shouted from the porch “Ian! Come back here Ian!”

Ian disappeared around the corner

When Paul turned to the right, he noticed four of the Worship Committee ladies had already arrived They had just stepped out of Janice Davis’s SUV and were in the driveway staring at hi a tray of cookies in plastic wrap

It ell after dark before Paul heard the latch turning in the front door He picked up the reh the door and tossed his keys onto the end table like he always did The ear pieces froarette dangled from the corner of his

Ian sat down on the futon next to Paul, took a long drag froarette, and then crushed it out in an ashtray-saucer Paul took a deep breath through his nose, trying to detect the scent of alcohol He sarette smoke Ian seemed to be sober He looked drained and tired Pensive, but not angry

“Hoas the ?” Ian asked

“It didn’t go exactly the way I planned,” Paul said with a sheepish half smile “I’m sorry I was such an asshole”

“Yeah,” Ian said

Paul leaned forward and spoke to his knees “Mike Davis sent me an e-mail today He sent this docuays in the ministry Said he wanted me to ‘review’ it I knehat he meant That’s the reason I orried with Janice here… I just… I panicked I should have… I don’t know…”