That should have been telling, that she even hinted that she might endure a lecture if the door was already closing behind her. But I was in analytic mode. I had to test it. Make sure it wasn't just attitude. After the way she'd wigged out Friday over a tube of chapstick, who could say what whims motivated this young woman? No, I had to be sure.

"First off, Taylor, I think an apology is in order," I started. She only looked at me blankly, as if uncomprehending what she might have done. "For your outbursts Friday, and for wasting my time today."

"Oh. Sure, if you say so. I'm...