“Oh, I’m sorry. My mama died when I was seventeen. She must have forgotten to teach me some manners.’ ~ Chris Chambers”

“Finally he said, "I am sorry for it. His mama didn't teach him right." My mama didn't teach me right either, I thought, and I don't act that way. I kept rocking.”

“She sicker than my mama was when she die. But she more evil than my mama and that keep her alive.”

“I reached my hand across the table, sliding my fingers into his. “You meant what you said last night, didn’t you?”He began to speak, but Chris’ laughter filled the cafeteria. “Holy God! Travis Maddox is whipped?”“Did you mean it when you said you didn’t want me to change?” he asked, squeezing my hand.I looked down at Chris laughing to his teammates, and then turned to Travis. “Absolutely. Teach that asshole some manners.”

“William stared at him, coffee forgotten. “Oh, Jesus.” “I’m pretty sure he’s not listening, but you can call him if it makes you feel better,” said Chris.”

“Ain't nothing wrong with Shug Avery. She just sick. Sicker than anybody I ever seen. She sicker than my mama was when she die. But she more evil than my mama and that keep her alive.”