When his father went upstairs, James looked at Natalie, confused. “This is a surprise,” he said. Natalie noted that he didn’t call it a “pleasant” surprise. “What happened to the wedding?”

She tried to achieve a state of inner calm. She needed as much dignity as she could muster. “I had to leave early because there’s news and I have to get to Phoenix.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You walked out on your mom’s wedding?”

“Well, my mom wants to kill the dog so I felt justified,” she blurted. Then, registering James’s startled look, blushed. That’s the look you give someone you don’t want to date, she thought. “Sorry, it’s a long story, but short version, I was at the wedding. I had to leave and take my family dog with me so my mom doesn’t put him to sleep. But I also have to fly to Phoenix tonight. So I know this is a huge imposition, but I’m wondering if maybe I could leave him here with you and Colin Powell?”

It sounded insane. Hearing it out loud, she realized just how insane. And rude. She tried for a casual laugh but it came out like she was choking.

“Are you okay?” he asked. “Do you want a glass of water?”

“I’m fine. I was just trying to laugh insouciantly.”

“Not for the faint of heart,” he said. “That’s graduate level. Probably better to start with a jovial chortle.”

Ugh. He was smart and cute and funny and she was screwing this up. She should turn and go. Take Cronkite and run. If she dressed him in a sweater and glasses, no one would be able to tell her dog apart from any of the beaten down travelers at the airport right?

But her feet didn’t move. She said, “I’m sorry about leaving so abruptly this morning. I was nervous and I needed to get to work, and I was afraid I was going to screw up my mom’s wedding.” She stopped herself with a laugh. “Actually I did screw it up. Badly.” She waved that away. “Doesn’t matter. What I’m trying to say is—is that your dad? He looks really young. Super handsome.” She stopped herself and shook her head. “I don’t know why I said that. I get a little nervous around you. If you can’t tell, I’m not always very good at boy-girl interactions.”

James squinted at her with a smile. “Oh I don’t know. I think you’re doing okay.”

Her mouth opened and closed twice before words came out. “Please don’t say things like that. It makes this embarrassing situation even worse.” She looked at him beseechingly.

“James, dear!” It was a woman’s voice. “What are you doing downstairs? Why don’t you invite your friend up?”