Mel passed an enjoyable afternoon and evening with her friend and his family. She found all the young people delightful. Drew, though possessed of a smart mouth and a sharp wit, was never scathing or sarcastic. Alyssa said little, but the way her eyes followed Drew around spoke of a deep and abiding love for him… and also a hint of disbelief. Their relationship is far from settled. Drew doled out constant reassurance in the form of little squeezes to the hand, kisses to the temple, and other tender gestures.
Michael, for his part, slowly transformed in Mel's mind over the course of the visit. What had at first seemed smolderingly dangerous, as she observed, became shyness. And once he relaxed, the tall professor revealed himself to be a brilliant and well-spoken man. Much of his relaxatio
