Sarah's cell phone rang, and she excused herself with a cowardly feeling of having just been saved by the call. "I should better take this. Just in case it is a client or something important."
Ryan nodded politely.
She dug in her handbag and pulled the phone out while he turned his back and wandered a few steps, in the opposite direction of the stairs. He obviously was not finished with his agenda for the evening. She might yet get that kiss she did not want.
She put the phone to her ear. "This is Sarah."
There was a silence on the other end, and then a disheartened voice said, "It is me."
"Who?" Sarah asked.
"Me. You know..."
"Deanne?"
She sniffed. "Yeah."
"What is the matter?" Sarah asked.
Sniffing she said, "I need a ride." She sounded pitiful.
"What about your Dad?" Sarah
