It hadn't occurred to me that Rachel had noticed my melancholy manner until she sat down on the sofa beside me one evening as I sat blankly staring into space, a forgotten law book open on my lap.

"What's happened, Pepper?' she asked softly for Proserpina was a bit of a mouthful.

It was the gentleness in her voice that made me break down and weep, softly.

"Hey, is it some guy?" she cried in alarm," Shall I get Tanya?"

'No, no, it's nothing," I said, sniffling.

With a wan smile, I picked up my books and said,

'So shall I make pizza tonight? Chicago Deep dish?'

That distracted her...