“I know what party you’re talking about. I might have to swing through. Especially if you’re going to be there in a costume.” He winked and leaned back in his seat.“I’m going as a homeless person.”“Sexy.”

“Hey,” he said. “Hi.” Oh, damn. It was awkward.“What’re you doing?”“Shearing a sheep. It’s cold outside, and I need a new hat.”He paused. “You’re joking, right?”“Yes, Marshall.” I gnawed on my fingers some more and sunk back in my chair.”

“You're spunky. I like it." He took a sip of his beer."You're creepy. I don't like it.”

“Marshall perched hesitantly beside me."They asked me to protect you."My eyes widened. "What? Who did? The Sisterhood?""No, the Teletubbies did. Of course, the Sisterhood." Marshall rolled his eyes at me, and it took all of my will power not to shove him off the bench.”

“You’re going to tell me that last night shouldn’t have happened.”No. I’m glad it happened. For too long, I’ve been telling myself that I could spend all this time with yo and flirt with you and not have it mean anything. It does mean something. You mean something to me. But I’m not in love with you.”

“You’re strong enough to stand up to anyone. Smart enough to do anything you want. Don’t sell yourselfshort; don’t be afraid of what your new life is going to offer. Because I know—if there’s any justice in thisworld, good things are going to come to you. Better things than you ever dreamed.”

“Your file was empty. Nothing. Not even an immunization record.” He didn’t even pretend to look surprised. He eased back in his seat, eyes gleaming obsidian.“And you’re telling me this because you’re afraid I might cause an outbreak? Measles or mumps?”“I’m telling you this because I want you to know that I know something about you isn’t right. You haven’t fooled everybody. I’m going to find out what you’re up to. I’m going to expose you.”“Looking forward to it.”I flushed, catching the innuendo too late.”