She could barely eat. “What’s wrong with you tonight?” asked Sam. “Still feeling the effects of your late night last night?” “Shut up,” she said and threw a roll at him. “Emily!” exclaimed Rebecca. But there was a smile twitching at the corner of her mouth. “Sorry,” she murmured. She made it through dinner, even though she hardly touched her food. Then she asked to be excused when it looked like everyone would linger at the table awhile. She went upstairs and put on some extra clothing for warmth. Her hands were shaking as she was tying her boots. She put on her coat and a hat. As she was coming down the stairs, Jamie was coming out of the dining room and saw her. “Where are you going in this cold weather? Are you planning to pull an all nighter again?” “Jamie, please leave me alone about this. I have things to do. I promise I’ll be safe. You don’t have to worry about me.” “You’re meeting that man, aren’t you? The one who put me in the hospital.”
