In 1220 the Dominican mission and lifestyle gained official approval. The new preaching order that we know as Dominicans was called mendicant, meaning “begging,” and the term friar (or brother) distinguished them from monks because, unlike monks, they went forth to live among people to preach and teach. Just as monastic houses had once arisen to minister in the countryside, so the mendicant friars now emerged to meet the spiritual needs of townspeople.
“Riley—”
“Nathan—”
We both stop and laugh. Omg, this is awkward. I have to get the words out now before they’re lodged in my throat forever.
“I’m totally crazy about you,” I blurt out, and lean back to gauge his expression. His eyes crinkle at the corners and he doesn’t try to stop me, so I push on. “I have been for…I don’t even know how long. You’re going to homecoming with Sophia, and I don’t know what that means for us, but I need you to know that I’m out of my mind over you.”
The last sentence comes out in a rush and I swallow hard, my nerves about to snap and unravel.
Nathan cocks his head. “You stole my speech. I’m out of my mind over you.”