“And then…I don’t. I don’twantto move. I like Minneapolis. I like my friends. I make them go through the work to buy me out andlaugh when they can’t and sit on my ass making millions off their bad decisions. And I eventually start coaching.”
I can feel the smile break out on my face.
“And does that seem particularly likely?”
I see the thoughtful look in his eyes.
“No. I mean, except for the coaching. I reallydowant to do that. Someday.”
I nod, smiling.
“Someday.”
In the morning,we sleep late, both grateful for rest. While Ethan packs, I make a quick call to my mom, assuring her that I’m well and arranging for her to box up a few of my things and send them to Minneapolis. The rest I’ll get in the summer when I visit.
I also shoot a text off to Avery, knowing that I wouldn’t be here without him.
Jamie Carter 11:28 AM
Thanks, man.
For everything.
Avery Lawson 11:30 AM
It go ok?
Avery’s never been a longwinded texter, but I’m worried that his brevity means we’ve still got some work to do on our friendship.
Jamie Carter 11:32 AM
Yeah. As well as it could have.
Hey, do you want to come visit Minneapolis?
Maybe during Spring Break?
I miss you, man.
It takes a while to get a response, but from the three dots on the screen, I know it isn’t because he hasn’t seen the message. The longer it takes, the more I worry I’ve done irreparable damage to our friendship.
Avery Lawson 11:38 AM
Am I gonna be playing third wheel all week?
Jamie Carter 11:39 AM
No.
I’ll tell Ethan I’m unavailable.
I want to spend time with YOU.
Avery Lawson 11:40 AM
Maybe not unavailable.
I mean, I need to interrogate him.
