Jill Churchill: The Class Menagerie

Jane didn't know what to say, and, for once in her life, had the wits to keep quiet.

"So I want to start over. I'd like to take you someplace you'd like to go. New York, maybe? Take in some shows? See the Statue of Liberty? Window-shop?"

Jane was relieved and flattered, but still faced the same problems as she had with the original invitation. "Mel, I'd like to, but I'm afraid."

He looked at her sharply. "Afraid of me?"

"Afraid of disappointing you. Yes, that's one of the things I'm afraid of."

"Jane, you couldn't disappoint me if you worked at it."

"Mel, I've been in a time capsule for nearly twenty years. I don't know anything about… about having an affair. I don't have the underwear for it," she added with a nervous laugh. "I don't remember how to dance. I've only had sex with one man in my life,

/.Yl

and he was a pretty unimaginative man. On top of all that, I'm too old for you."

He was grinning. "No, I think you're probably too young for me. But I don't care. I don't like to dance and I don't judge anybody by their underwear. And I'm damned glad you're inexperienced."

"What would I tell my kids? I've been trying to convince them that sex is only all right for married people."

He laughed. "I'll tell you a secret, Jane. They probably don't believe you. And what you tell them is that when they are thirty-seven—"

"Thirty-nine."

"— thirty-nine, they can do anything they want. Les Mistrables or The Fantasticks?"

"What?"

"Which would you rather see?"

Jane put her head on his shoulder and didn't say anything for a long time. Her mother-in-law would have a fit if she went away for a weekend with Mel.

"The Fantasticks" she finally said very softly.

Todd came hurtling through the French doors a few minutes later to tattle on his brother. "Mom, Mike says — Oh, iiiccckkk! Kissing!"