Chapter 9

“Yeah. Yes, I mean. A friend.”

“Friend? What kind of friend?”

“A friend, Mom. His name—”

“Him? Is he there with you right now? Is he taking care of you?”

A satisfying grin lifts Josh’s spirits. “Eddie has been a lifesaver.”

Lynn quips, “Put him on—”

Uncomfortable and agitated, Josh yells, “Mo-o-o-om!”

The line goes quiet.

“Hello, Mom? You there?”

“Yes. Yes. I’m here. Tell Eddie…thanks.”

The joy in Josh’s voice fills the line. “I will.” A pause. “Mom, I love you.”

“We love you more than the state of Minnesota, J.”

“Tell Dad I love him too.”

“I’ll tell him.”

“Mom?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

Lynn says, “J, I trust your taste…in guys.”

“Um, Mom. That’s a totally different phone call. I was referring to my hospital visit.”

Embarrassed, she rambles on, “Oh. Josh, dear, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what has come over me.”

“Not a prob—” He catches himself. “Not a problem, Mom.”