"That's the thing," I reply. "I don't want to put you two in conflict. One of my anxieties is that.

What other things do you fear? Asks Jacob. When he does talk, which is not often, he typically gets straight to the point.

"As I said, I'm worried that I'll ruin our relationship and that I'll make things difficult between the three of us. —I have no concept how to be in a relationship. I wait for them to quiver or scowl in response to that strong term, but none of them do. Although the idea of living with you makes me nervous, the alternative is far worse.

Do you...