“You don’t have to. You’re thinking it so hard I can hear the wheels going around in your head.” He looked at her. “Once and for all, Laura, she’s _not gay_. Maybe she’s got room in her somewhere for a little curiosity. Maybe living with you really has made her dissatisfied with herself. If so, so much the better. But she’s not mooning for you every night.” “She acted so funny, Jack. Like—like she enjoyed having me near her. Like she wanted me to touch her. I mean, comfort her. You know.” “The more you want her to enjoy it, the more it’ll seem like she does.” “I’m not making up stories,” Laura said with some heat. “No, Mother, I know. I believe you. I’m just telling you a fact. I’ve known Marcie for a couple of years. From the time she and Burr started dating right through their divorce. She’s capable of—let’s say—wondering. Like the night she wanted to touch tongues.” Laura shivered involuntarily. “Once in a while she gets a kick out of a fling in the Village. Maybe she just wants to see how far you’ll go. Maybe she’s egging you on, Laura. Did you ever think of that? Just to see what the hell you’ll do?” “She wouldn’t do that,” Laura said positively, somewhat shocked. “Never.” Jack gave a little snort. “Okay, maybe not. But she’s not about to fall for you. Not now or ever.” “She meant it when she talked to me last night. She was sincere.” “Sure she meant it. She’s on a book kick. She’s obviously very impressed with you. It shows when she talks about you. Temporarily, you’re somebody to imitate, somebody to admire.” “Temporarily?” “Don’t fall into a trap.” He put a hand on her knee. “It’s no trap! She’s too innocent to set me a trap.” “Innocent?” He laughed. “Don’t count on it. Besides, you’re too innocent to avoid one. Right now you have a lot to learn.” Laura glared at him. “I’m not stupid.” “No, you’re not. You’re very bright, honey. You’re just uninformed. If you want to learn, go scout up Beebo and take the Grand Tour of the Village.” “I could no more fall for her than I could fall for—for—” “For me?” He laughed. She smiled suddenly and laughed with him. “Oh,” she said with a wave of her hand, “You’re taken.” “Mother, that’s a beautiful one-line definition of my dilemma. My analyst could use you.” “Are you being analyzed?” she asked. “Aren’t we all?” “Answer me!” “I did. Let’s go. I hate to keep people waiting.” “Who’s waiting?” “My friend, Mr. Fleming.” She slipped off the barstool, pulling her jacket on. “I’d like to meet him.” “If it lasts another couple of weeks, I guess it’d be safe.” He took her arm and steered her through the crowd. They stared at her but it didn’t disconcert her so much now that she had had a drink or two. “Where’s your adoring roommate tonight?” Jack said as they went up the stairs. “Having dinner downtown.” “Why don’t you go over to The Cellar? Let Beebo tell you some fairy stories. She’s got a million of ’em.” “I couldn’t take Beebo tonight.”