“Oh? Did he help you with your project?”

“We never quite got around to chemistry, actually.”

Carol did more coffee stirring. “Oh?” There seemed to be a lot implied in that one syllable.

“We kind of got sidetracked. He's tearing down his old tree house.”

“Yes, I noticed that this week.” Carol continued to study her.

“We just…talked.”

“Well, I'm glad you too are becoming reacquainted. You know, sometimes

old friends are the best.”

“I'm sure Peter already has lots of friends.” Kate tapped a few computer keys. Better check her email.

“You might be surprised. It's just not good going through life feeling like you've missed out on something good, believe me.” Carol was staring at her coffee cup, stroking the rim. There was something beyond that motherly gibe.

Kate couldn't help but feel curious. “Did you miss out on something in particular?”

Carol didn't speak for a moment. “Oh, nothing. I should leave you to your work.”

“No, really. What is it?” She could tell something was on Carol's mind.

She'd been getting these wistful hints on her last two visits, too.

She finally spilled. “Oh, it was a long time ago, and we were both in high school. Like you and Peter were. But it's fine.”

“You and Percy?”

“No, this was before Percy and I ever met.”

Oh. Normally, she might have teased her friend, but this seemed different.

She closed her laptop lid. “C'mon, you can tell me.”

“No, I've already said too much. Besides, we were a lot younger then. We

both got happily married to other people, and we're too old for that sort of thing now.”

“Wait…he's here in Golden Grove isn't he?”

“No, no…my goodness, we're happy to be just friends now. This isn't about

me, it's about you, remember?”

Kate leaned forward. “You and Lucius Potter? Oh my gosh, that's so

adorable.” She put her hand on her mouth. “What was he like?”

Carol pointed a finger at her. “Now, Kate, if you tell a soul about this—”

“Oh, don't worry, I won't. Was he cute?”

“Was he cute? Is that all you girls think about these days?”

“Oh, come on. Some things never change, right?”

Carol said nothing but slowly turned beet red.

Kate slapped the table with both hands, smiling. “He was cute! That's so sweet. You and your high school sweetheart. Did Percy know?”

“Oh, Katie, now stop. It was a long time ago. We were just kids, way before

I ever met your Percy.”

“Did Mister Potter—Lucius, I mean—have a mustache back then?”

“No, he did not have a mustache. My point was supposed to be—”

“What was he like? I bet he held the door for you and carried your books home from school.” She almost squealed. “Did you go to the sock hop

together?”

Carol snorted. “The sock hop? How old do you think I am?”

Kate shrugged. “I don't know. Sock hop, mosh pit, love-in—what did you

guys do back then?”

“I think we're getting a little off track.”

“Are you kidding? This is the juiciest conversation I've had in the last month. Maybe the last year. So, did his mustache tickle?”

“His mustache does not tickle—I mean—he didn't have—”

Kate's eyes grew wide. “Does not? You didn't just say that.” She squeezed her friend's arm. “Carol, you mover, you.”

Carol stood up, face still red. “Oh, you're getting me all flustered. Now shush.” She turned and went into the kitchen.

Kate waved her hands. “Okay, okay, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.” She got up and followed.

“Well, I should hope so.” Carol rummaged for something in the refrigerator.

Kate realized she had taken the teasing a little too far. “Look, here, just come

back and sit down. Tell me what you were going to say.”