Page 74 of Jep

“Hebrew, I think.”

“Interesting. Was your mom religious?”

“No. Not at all. I have no idea what gave her the idea. Now, if you ladies will excuse me, Carla, I’ll let the assistant director know you’re here.”

Carla twisted as she sat in the chair Jep had been using so she could watch him walk away. “That’sJep?”

“Don’t.”

“I didn’t. I mean—I did. Oh my goodness. He is—” She fanned her face with her hand.

“Stop it.”

“You’re saying you’re not attracted to him in the least?”

“I never said I wasn’t attracted to him.”

“Sure you did. After you first met him.”

“I said a person’s attractiveness changes as you get to know them better.”

“Because you didn’t think you would like him, but then you said?—”

“I know what I said.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t tease. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt.”

“I won’t. There’s nothing going on.”

“Nothing at all?”

“No.”

“So you’re going to ignore it until it goes away?”

“There’s nothing to ignore. Why are we even talking about this? Aren’t you concerned about why you’re here?”

“I thought if it was something terrible, you would have told me already.”

“They wouldn’t let me speak to you.”

Carla’s smile faded. “Is it bad?”

“Miss Chapman?” Lawson had come out of his office, and both women looked up. “Sorry,” he said as he walked to thedesk. “Miss Carla Chapman.” He shook her hand. “I’m Assistant Director Richard Lawson. Thank you for coming in so quickly.”

“Didn’t know I had a choice, but I’m happy to help if I can.” She looked at Em and stood slowly before turning back to Lawson. “My niece isn’t in any trouble, is she?”

“Who, Emery? No, she’s not in any trouble.”

“Then what’s this about?”

“If you’d like to come with me, I’ll get you settled in one of our conference rooms. Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Em?” Carla said. A furrow had appeared on her brow. Em couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her aunt worried.

“It’s okay,” Em said. “Go ahead. He’ll explain what he can. I’ll get her a coffee, sir.”

Carla clutched her purse to her stomach as Lawson led her away.

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