Chapter 9

“Oh. I’m sorry for the misinterpretation; that’s a perfectly valid answer. And your second?”

Wonderful. Prod the man who just said he hates admitting weakness about his weaknesses. “Tying in with the first, I’m too stubborn for my own good. Or so I’ve been told.”

“Thank you, Jake. David?”

“I worry too much, for one thing. A second, umm. Sometimes, especially since I hit maturity and started staying home more, I kind of get lost in my own little world, reading or writing. I’m not allowed to cook while reading anymore. Long story short, we ate pizza that night.”

Now that sounded like it could be an interesting story. Jake didn’t get to ask for details because Amanda spoke up again. “Thank you, David. Jake, would you excuse us for an hour or so? I think there are some things we should discuss privately.”

“Can do.” He could use the time to think, and maybe call his uncles if he could borrow a phone charger. Some experienced perspective would be very welcome about now.