I told Ken when I drove him home. “Suddenly everyone has a vested interest in my private life,” he murmured. “You’ve been dating Brenda for fourteen years,” I said, stifling laughter. “I’m surprised it hasn’t driven her berserk.” “Even that doctor at Mongrove was smirking.” “I’m sure that was just your imagination—or guilt. Did you ever think about it that way?” “It’s not driving her crazy. We’ve had discussions—often.” I believed him but I also suspected that those discussions had been one-sided—Brenda’s. “Everyone is on my case.” “Not Brenda,” I assured him. I thought it was more Sven’s sense of humor, rather than Brenda’s urging—though it may have been a small component. “What was she doing with Joe again, anyway?” he asked. “She told me that she thinks he’s charming—and a good listener.”
