Friends Like These — N.J. Lindquist

After going out with a girl Charlie wanted, Glen knows he'll have to stand up to Charlie or be labeled a coward. For now, though, he's happy his friend Luke has volunteered to be his bodyguard.

After being positive she has no interest in Charlie, Nicole wonders why it bothers her when he spends time with her best friend Joyce? Or with annoying Marta? Nicole isn't jealous. Is she?

When Luke is injured in a serious car accident and Charlie saves his life, Nicole is more confused than ever and Glen is knocked completely off-balance. It takes a stray dog and a small group started by a local garage mechanic to teach Glen that you can't go back--you have to go forward--even when you have no idea where you're going.

Excerpt

I was walking along the road in just-below-freezing weather, wearing running shoes, jeans, gloves, and a short-sleeved T-shirt, carrying a winter jacket with a nearly dead dog wrapped inside. Great sight.

I couldn't see any farmhouses, and I had no idea where the first one would be. I started talking out loud to God.

""I sure could use some help here, Lord. I mean, I need a lot of help. But if you want this dog to survive, you had better do something. I know I can't do any more. I'm likely going to get pneumonia as it is. So please, if you aren't too busy, could you help out.."".

I heard a motor behind me and turned just in time to see a brown minivan speed by. It made no attempt to stop.

People are like that sometimes. They walk right by without even seeming to notice you. I wonder if they don't care or if they're just too busy with their own thoughts.

""Thanks a lot, God,"" I said. Then I felt ashamed. Like it was his fault the van hadn't stopped. The person driving the van had made that choice.

I heard another motor, and I turned again. It was the tow truck from Winter's Garage, pulling a car behind it. As the truck went past, my heart sank.