how to smile。 Mr。 Loski was clean and smooth on the
outside； but there was a distinct whiff of something rotten
buried just beneath the surface。 And the ever…efficient Mrs。 Loski seemed flustered； almost
hyper。 Was it having us over that was making her
nervous？
Then there was Bryce—the most disturbing of all because I had to admit that I didn't really
know him； either。 And based on what I'd discovered
lately； I didn't care to know any more。 Looking across the table at him； all I got was a strange；
detached； neutral feeling。 No fireworks； no leftover
anger or resurging flutters。
Nothing。
After we'd had dessert and it was time to go； I went up to Bryce and told him I was sorry for
having been so fierce when we'd first e in。 “I
should've let you apologize； and really； it was very nice of your family to have us over。 I know
it was a lot of work and； well； I think my mom had a
really good time and that's what matters to me。” We were looking right at each other； but it
was almost as though he didn't hear me。 “Bryce？ I said
I'm sorry。”
He nodded； and then our families were waving good…bye and saying good night。
I walked behind my mother； who was holding hands with my father； and beside my brothers；
who were carrying home what was left of our pies。
We all wound up in the kitchen； and Matt poured himself a glass of milk and said to Mike；