Chapter 23

“Wait! Your name’s really ‘Pete’?” laughed Becky heartily. “You’re Pete? What’re the odds?”

“Yeah, I guess it’s funny. If you can laugh about your hand, I’ll have to learn to make jokes about my foot,” acknowledged Pete. “Before you go, I do apologize for being so rude earlier today. I was feeling pretty down and you came along at the wrong time.”

“Now, Pete,” cautioned Gwen. “What kind of red blooded American male would say that a girl as beautiful and talented as Becky came along at the wrong time? Any time you get to see and meet a girl like Becky, it’s the right time, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Well, yes I would. It was great meeting you and I’ll try to man up so you two aren’t disappointed in me. Thanks for trying to help me get my head wired straight.”

“That sounds a lot better. We hire quite a few veterans at our businesses in Sparta. We expect everyone to carry their weight, but once you finish rehab and feel you have something to offer, stop in if you wan