Chapter 17

Finally finding his voice, David said, “Bud. You were about the last person I ever expected to come knocking at my door.” Seeing the handsome face fall, he went on quickly. “Not that I’m displeased to see you or anything, it’s just…when you left last time, I—”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run out on you like that.”

David wanted to ask why Bud had left so quickly, but he couldn’t bring himself to, fearing the answer. Bud was here, that was the main thing.

“This place sure does need some attention, I just never seem to get round to doing it.”

Bud looked at the many half-finished projects that David had begun, but had lost interest in, or knew helacked the skill to complete. “So that’s why I came over. I had a free weekend and, well, uh, that’s why I came over.”

“Thank you, it’s very kind of you,” David said, saving Bud from having to explain his real motives. “But first, have you eaten?”