Jesse had been reluctant to talk about his life as a model since he came to Colby, and he sensed that Shirley would somehow think it was unsavory. Although he understood that she loved Ray, he could also understand why Ray didn’t want to live in his parents’ pockets. He wondered, in fact, how Ray had managed to live with them so long after he graduated from Toledo.
And then he remembered how much of his life he’d allowed his own mother to control.
The rolled rump, with mashed potatoes, gravy, zucchini, and yeast rolls were wonderful. At least, Jesse thought, Ray’s mother can cook. Pity the skill didn’t rub off.
The pie was the best Jesse had ever tasted. But then homemade pie of any kind had been a rarity in his life.
* * * *
A few nights later Jesse was studying with the stereo playi
