since

sheissedsanthasproortheworld,andw

ixedupherfavorite

diprecipe,hebowl.

theyhadbarelyputitinthelivingrooedoorbellrang.

”ohgod,”santhaherroo”talktohiiot

ready.”jaanhisheight,

butdarkhaired,darkeyed,darkjaux...

barely.

edshirtshouldhavebeeshirt,wherea

cuerbundshouldhavebeenherbelt,andthescuffed

blahispantslookedtojacktobeboots.

okay,jaeshaveged.gohtheflow.he

extendedahand.”ianthasdad.”theretuinghandshakewas

firperhapscky,evendefiant.”teaguerunyan.”jackdre

intothehousehandthatsaidhehadnochoi

thetter.”santhasaysyoulivehereinbigsur””upthestreet

alittle,”hesaid,tossinghisheadinadirethatuldhave

beennorthorsouth.”hoanthas”shesthesa.thank

youforasking.doessheknoay.theyrunthe

gasstatihtoutsidetheter.”jaodded.heknewo

gasstationsthere.bothgouged.

hopeapproachedilelesslyat

teague.

”hey,hope,”teaguesaid.”didyoukethis”hetoppedaker

outh.”n.good.”jack

eduntilhehadsstheplan””plan”

teagueasked,brushingkersaltoffhishands.

”fortonight.”

”idontknoanthasproshedethearras.”