“But I wouldn’t say I have a best friend in here.” Smiling, I added, “I have a girl friend. She’s at a different school, though.” “Is she your friend or your girlfriend?” “Both?” “Hm.” Johnny seemed to mull that over before asking, “Do you want to be my best friend?” He shrugged. “Looks like I’m not getting out of this town anytime soon, so I might as well put down some roots.” “Me?” “Yeah, you.” “You want me to be your best friend?” He nodded again, and I could tell from just one interaction with him that he was sharp. This lad was nobody’s fool. He had clearly taken everyone’s measure, and
...more
