I found that not being alone was suddenly pretty appealing after all. I pulled out of the parking space and said, "If he pesters you, just tell him to call me directly, like I said. You guys may not be in town, but I'll bet he has a cell."

"You really meant that about taking to him?"

"Sure," I said, brimming with sudden confidence. "What else do I have to do? The prett..." I choked myself off. I wasn't that confident.

"What?" Carrie asked at my suddenly swallowed words.

"Nothing."

"Come on. What?"

In a rush, I blurted, "I was going to say that the prettiest girl I know is...