I frowned slightly at his question, but hid by taking a quick sip. He did seem light hearted, at ease despite my exasperation and worry. “I brought home a couple guys in high school. You know how it is, back then you always think they’re the perfect one. But anything serious?” I shrugged, unsure how to go on with the conversation with a male. But anyone serious? Nah. And hey, if they can’t take this kind of crazy then they aren’t for me anyway. This place holds a lot of comfort for me. Seeing my grandparents around, still together, reminds me love used to mean something to people. And being around so many kids brings an innocence to the table that you don’t get outside these fences.”

I paused, suddenly looking over at him with a grin. “Don’t get me wrong, I like my alone, quiet time which is why I moved out, but even you have to admit there’s something about having a place, or rather people, you can always fall back on. Your sister, or maybe a girlfriend back home…?” Hey, if he was going to ask then so was I. “You’re cute, I wouldn’t picture you as the single type. And you look a little older than me, too. Very manly features,” I went on, struggling to keep back a giggle. “What, twenty-six?” Today I can’t believe I was bold enough to make such a statement, but I assumed he was just a kind soul passing through the country. Nothing would happen between us, why not tease a little? Anything to get a smile out of those I was talking to...especially Peter.