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He was distressingly silent

Noah knew I looked different He just refused to say it I didn’t knohy and at thatononly I stood up "Where are your keys?"

"Why?" he asked, drawing out the word

"Because I want to burn that doll"

My parents would be disconcerted if they saw ht a fire in our backyard and burn a doll I’ve had since I was a baby, so we needed soht?" I asked him as I headed toward the front door

"Several, but we can’t leave"

I closed my eyes "Joseph" Damn

"And you If we’re not here when your parents get back--I’m sure I needn’t remind you of your recent psych ward stint"

As if I could forget

Noah ran a hand over his jaw "They trust me here, with Joseph, for an hour, maybe But I can’t take you out alone"

"So I’m trapped here indefinitely"

"Unless"

"Unless what?"

"Unless we bring the for the punch line

That was it, apparently "You can’t be serious"

"Why not? An invitation to the Shaw abode would go a long ith your mother She’s desperate to ht fires and chant"

"Not funny"

A half-smile appeared on Noah’s lips "Yes it is," he said "A little," he added as my eyes narrowed to slits "But if you’d rather they didn’t meet, I could burn the doll for you--"

"No" I shook et it, and it didn’t even , as always But I needed to see with one "I want to be there"

"Then it’s the only way," Noah said with a shrug

"You’re not worried about losing the sympathy card?"

"Pardon?"

"If your parents charht not be allowed here as much"

An unreadable expression crossed Noah’s face "Your s for what they are" He stood and withdrew his cell from the back pocket of his jeans "I’ll have Ruth invite her over tomorrow For a ladies’ tea"

"Your dad won’t be there?"

Noah arched an eyebrow "Highly doubtful And if he is, I’ll make sure we reschedule"

"But I want to meet hih his iPhone