hed。 〃The peasant shirt was replaced for a while by a dashiki；
but I'm afraid the modern me is addicted to ordinary sports shirts and
sweaters。〃
〃Conventional；〃 she murmured with a faltering smile； teasing him as much
as she dared。 It was hard to remain indifferent to this man。 She felt
the strain。
〃Sadly so；〃 he agreed without any sadness。 〃But look at you。 You've done
a turnaround。 Last time I saw you； your hair was curled； you wore
makeup； higher heels； and more daring clothes。 You also talked New
Orleans。 Where'd the accent go？〃
Chloe drew in a long breath。 〃It faded。 I've lived up north for too
long。 Time does different things to each of us； I guess。〃
〃It's for the better。 You look beautiful。 Unhappy； but beautiful。〃
His candor made her balk。 Seeing him was painful enough。 Talking more
with him could be a total trauma。
She glanced at the auditorium clock。 〃My Lord； it's nearly twelve。 I
have to run。〃 Straightening the shoulder strap of her pocketbook and
hugging the large folder to her breast； she went to the stage steps。
Ross followed。 Under the guise of worry at the lateness of the hour； she
quickened her step。 He kept stride easily。
：〃You're not driving back tonight； are you？〃
〃am。〃
〃All the way to 。。。 ？〃
〃Little pton。〃
〃That has to be a good two… to three…hour drive。 Wouldn't you do better
to ge