as i finish reading the list , i look up and realize that joe is sitting there with a hot pink envelope . '' happy birthday , squirrel . i know you said you did n't want anything , but i just could n't resist . '' i take the envelope and open what i think is a card . that 's when two tickets fall out , and i realize it 's not just a
card

balancing the phone between my ear and shoulder , i bent down and picked up my spy pack and crutches . '' should i even bother asking you out again ? '' joel asked , his voice sounding a little sad . it sounded like he 'd given up . i straightened up , a pout on my lips . '' yes . i want to go out with you ,
joel

i reckon i know every knothole on the back of the privy door ! ' ' i 'll write that down as a definitely , ' said carrot . ' was there anything else on the dinner menu ? ' ' vole-au-vents and cream of rat , ' said gimlet . ' all hygienically prepared . ' ' how do you mean , hygienically
prepared