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Chelsea, but it was forced and awkward. They were all relieved when Jeff returned.
    “Here’s your meal,” he told Chelsea as he sat the box in front of her. He had gotten a cheeseburger and fries for himself.
    Rebecca told Joey he finally could open his box and begin eating.
    He opened his box, but his interest was fixed on what toy he’d received. “Oh. I got the green soldier.” Disappointment filled his voice.
    “What’s wrong with the green soldier?” Jeff asked.
    “I already have three green soldiers, but I wanted a blue soldier.”
    Chelsea looked up after opening her box. “I have a blue soldier.” Her voice was offhand.
    Joey looked at his mother, but she shook her head no.
    After a minute, when Chelsea had begun eating her hamburger, Joey said politely, “I’ll trade soldiers with you, if you want.”
    Chelsea looked at Jeff, who nodded yes. She still hesitated a minute. Then she said, “You can have it.”
    Joey was thrilled. “Thank you!” he exclaimed.
    Joey immediately began playing with the two soldiers. Rebecca had to remind him to eat his dinner, and the boy reluctantly took a bite of his hamburger. Jeff began asking him questions about what he liked to do, which also kept Joey busy.
    Rebecca continued to try to make conversation with Chelsea while they ate, since she showed no interest in Jeff’s conversation with Joey. “Did you attend Southern Methodist University?” Rebecca asked.
    “No. I went to Stanford,” Chelsea said, naming a highly ranked college in California.
    “Oh. I’ve heard it’s hard to get into Stanford.”
    “Not when my father went there and has contributed a lot of money to their building funds.”
    “How nice,” Rebecca said. She couldn’t think of any other comment.
    “I majored in French Literature,” Chelsea added.
    “What kind of job can you get with that major?” Rebecca asked, truly curious about the practical application of her major.
    Chelsea, however, appeared affronted. “A job? You think I’ll be looking for a job? I’m marrying Jeff.”
    “Oh, of course,” Rebecca agreed.
    “Mommy! Look, there’s Derek!” Joey squealed, jumping to his feet in his chair and knocking over his soda, splashing it all over Chelsea.

Chapter Three
    “Oh, Joey, no!” Rebecca said, but it was too late to undo what Joey’s excitement had done. “I’m so sorry, Chelsea,” she hurriedly said, and began handing her all the napkins she had. “Joey, you need to apologize to Chelsea.”
    “I’m sorry. Mommy, can I go play with Derek?”
    “No. Go get some more napkins for Chelsea,” Rebecca ordered.
    “More napkins won’t help!” Chelsea snapped. “Look what he’s done! My outfit is ruined and this is the first time I’ve worn it!”
    “I’ll pay to have it cleaned, Chelsea. Perhaps the cleaners can repair the damage,” Rebecca said, hoping to satisfy Chelsea.
    “I’m not sure they can do any good.”
    Joey returned with more napkins. “Here, Chelsea. I’m sorry I spilled my drink,” Joey said, showing true contrition.
    “You need to be more careful,” she said, standing and backing away from him.
    Jeff spoke for the first time. “I’d better take Chelsea home.”
    Rebecca nodded, biting her bottom lip to keep herself from responding to Chelsea’s lack of understanding, and noting that Jeff didn’t really stand up for his son or acknowledge that it was an accident.
    Jeff rubbed Joey’s hair and said, “I’ll see you soon, Joey, okay?”
    Joey nodded, but his gaze went to his mother, as if he wasn’t sure that was a good idea.
    Rebecca could understand her son’s hesitation if seeing Jeff again meant seeing Chelsea. But she knew the woman wasn’t used to being around children. She smiled encouragement to Joey. To Jeff, she said, “We’re sorry. Please let me know how much the dry cleaning costs. We’ll be glad to pay for it.”
    Jeff nodded and smiled, but Chelsea was standing by the door, her toe tapping out the seconds he kept