e inn with Ross by her side。
He left his overnight case at the front desk with the night manager； who
cheerfully directed them into the kitchen； a decidedly old room into
which every modern convenience had been crammed。 Chloe made herself at
home。 Only after she had placed a crock of steaming beef stew； put
together from leftovers； and a half…loaf of what appeared to be
home…baked bread on the table did she realize that she had done all the
work。 But it had kept her mind occupied。 Ross had been in and out of the
room as she worked； finally settling down on a tall stool by a
butcher…block counter to watch。
His presence didn't upset her now as much as it had earlier。 She had
gotten over the shock； she guessed。 Still； she felt vaguely shy when
they were actually ready to eat。
〃Uh； is there anything else you want？〃 She skimmed the simple place
settings； the two large bowls filled with stew。 〃A drink？〃
He made no move to help himself For old times' sake； so the liberated
woman told herself； she indulged him。
〃Milk would be fine。〃
He waited while she searched for glasses and filled two。 She sat down
opposite him。 Once several mouthfuls of the thick stew had warmed her
stomach； she put her spoon down。 Something stuck in her craw。
〃I'm not unhappy；〃 she stated； so softly and apparently unexpectedly
that Ross looked perplexed。 〃You t