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“I’m at least ten years older than you are, Barone,” I say

“So? I’al and all”

And a hot mess in Chuckies

“I’et over your ex first”

“Him? I’m totally over him”

“Right That’s why you alon because of him”

She cocks her head and smiles “Come on, Luke”

“You’re a sweet kid—”

She winces at the word kid—

“—but you and I aren’t going to happen”

We were never going to happen anyway, but now that I’ve

She flounces off in a huff

Yeah, that’ll show h to date me

I resist rolling my eyes

Lynne approaches ure and shiny chestnut hair—but I feel nothing Not a daot out of rehab

Not until Katelyn

Lynne didn’t co thisI hope it works out for you with the woman”

I s ely, I do too I could have sworn I wasn’t ready for this yet”

“I hear you Sos fall into place Just remember to be careful It’s awfully soon for you”

Lynne roup leader She takes the ti

I guess that’s e all keep co back

Keep co back It works

The mantra

And the other mantra…

God, grant e, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference

I try to live by that I’ her power

But da parts ofI can change is the present, which I hope will lead to a better future A future where I’ood man—a man who’s proud of who he is

I believe I’ll get there