n there was Bryce—the most disturbing of all because I had to admit that I didn't really
know him； either。 And based on what I'd discovered
lately； I didn't care to know any more。 Looking across the table at him； all I got was a strange；
detached； neutral feeling。 No fireworks； no leftover
anger or resurging flutters。
Nothing。
After we'd had dessert and it was time to go； I went up to Bryce and told him I was sorry for
having been so fierce when we'd first e in。 “I
should've let you apologize； and really； it was very nice of your family to have us over。 I know
it was a lot of work and； well； I think my mom had a
really good time and that's what matters to me。” We were looking right at each other； but it
was almost as though he didn't hear me。 “Bryce？ I said
I'm sorry。”
He nodded； and then our families were waving good…bye and saying good night。
I walked behind my mother； who was holding hands with my father； and beside my brothers；
who were carrying home what was left of our pies。
We all wound up in the kitchen； and Matt poured himself a glass of milk and said to Mike；
“That Mr。 Loski was sniffing us out pretty good tonight；
wasn't he？”
“No kidding。 Maybe he thinks we're hot for his daughter。”
“Not me； dude！ You？”
Mike got himself a glass of milk； too。 “That's Skyler's gig。 No way I'd go there。” He grinned。
“But she was really cool tonight。 Did she e down
on papa bear or what？”
My dad took a paper plate out of the cupboard and cut a slice of pie。 “You boys showed a lot
of restraint tonight。 I don't know if I could've kept my
cool that way。”
……… Page 73………
“Aw； he's just； you kn