Chapter 8

He’s not so bad—

“You’re back.”

Alex turned to find Father Nate walking towards him, smiling

easily. “I must admit I had my doubts.”

Alex grinned at that. “So did I,” he admitted, turning back to

the game. Jamie had the ball again and he made sure Alex was

looking when he tried for an impossible shot. Alex held his breath

as the ball flew through the air, bounced off the rim, and sank

into the hoop. “He’s good,” he said, almost forgetting to breathe

again when Jamie winked at him.

“Very good,” the priest agreed. “If only he took school as

seriously as he does his balls.” Alex looked at Father Nate,

surprised, but laughed when he saw the smile on the priest’s face.

“I’m glad you came back.”

“Me too.” Had Alex honestly believed he could forget Jamie

so easily? That smile, those eyes, those curls?

He turned back to the game in time to see Jamie throw the

basketball at another kid his own age. The ball struck the other