“ Chrissy started to blush, then broke off eye contact and looked down. “I mean, in case I have any questions or anything.”Score one for Peter, thought Jane—he was right. Then she turned her attention back to Chrissy, thinking, Not on your life, honey. I’m not sharing him with anyone again.
She smiled and said, “Sure,” and pretended to rummage in her purse. Then, as if suddenly remembering, looked up and said, “Oh, I forgot. He won’t be there. Remember, I told you he moves around a lot?”
Chrissy’s face fell. “Oh, that’s right. Darn.”
She looked so disappointed that Jane, without thinking, said, “If you like, I can leave a message to have them let me know when he’s coming back.”
Chrissy immediately brightened. Jane’s mother immediately tried to put Peter at ease by stepping forward and offering her hand, saying, “You must be Peter. I’m Jane’s mother.”
Peter had enough presence of mind to take the offered hand and respond, “Hello, Mrs.
