Page 45 of The Mouse and the Maestro

“We had a system. I love her, and she, oblivious to my feelings, treats me like a brother.”

“Sounds healthy,” Jane said.

“Tell me again how your ex-boyfriend of a decade sleeps on your couch,” he replied.

“So maybe neither of us has a positive frame of reference for relationships,” she agreed. “That’s why it’s best we’ve decided to be friends.”

“You decided. I never agreed to that,” he said.

“We’re talking in circles. Can I use your phone to call Charles?” He had confiscated her phone in case there was a trace on it.

He considered not giving the phone to her, but there was nothing to be gained by it. “You have his number memorized?” he said instead.

“I’ll call his work number and leave a message,” she replied.

With a sigh, he gave her his phone and watched while she found the number for the museum and left a message for Charles Stevens. “He might not even call,” Jane said when shewas finished. “I have no idea how regularly he checks his work messages.” She had just finished speaking when the phone rang and Charles’s number came up on the screen. Jane put him on speakerphone.

“Janie, what’s up?”

“I’m in town.”

“You are?”

“I’d like to see you.”

“You would?” he said.

“You’re mocking me,” she said.

“I am?” he replied, chuckling. “Of course I want to see one of my favorite people. I’m free tonight. Want to meet for supper?”

Jane looked at Blue. They had already eaten supper, but it was only five. She would likely be hungry again in a few hours. Blue nodded. “Sure. My…colleague will be joining us.”

“Um, weird but okay,” he said. “What is this about?”

“I’d rather talk it out in person,” Jane replied.

“So mysterious, Jane.”

“You know me, Charles. A thrill a minute,” Jane said.

“A family trait,” he replied.

They made arrangements at a restaurant of Blue’s choosing and disconnected. Blue checked his watch. “We have a while until we meet.”

“Three hours isn’t so much,” Jane replied.

“It’s enough to show you some of the finer parts of Philly,” Blue said.

“Are you suggesting we go out? Like a, what’s the word, date?” Jane said.

“I sort of owe you one, and the pressure’s on to make it good,” Blue said.

“All right,” Jane agreed.

He leaned forward to kiss her, and the folding chair beneath him collapsed, tossing him haphazardly onto the deck. “Youdon’t believe in omens, do you?” he asked, staring up at her from his new position on the ground.

“No,” Jane replied, but later they would both begin to rethink their disbelief.

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