Chapter 3

“Looks like you could use an early night, son,” Colton said.

“Yeah.” The next yawn managed to escape.

“I better get going.” Clay got to his feet, but Brett could tell he did so reluctantly. “Coach said we should all get an early night.”

Clay’s family hadn’t yet passed over and, as far as Brett knew, Clay didn’t have many friends in Heaven. Again Brett felt guilty at his earlier neglect.

“You can bunk down in my room, if you want,” Brett surprised himself by saying. “Um, it’s a huge bed, there’s plenty of room.”

Clay’s face was a study in contrasting emotions. First came shock, quickly followed by delight, then a flash of lust, before Clay’s usual mask of laidback friendliness was restored. “Ah, that’s real kind of you, but I don’t have my toothbrush with me and…”

Brett was relieved.

“We have spares,” Dennis piped up.

“Uh, thanks, I—”

“And you’re about my size,” Colton put in, “so we’ll be able to provide you with clean underwear.”