Michelle couldnt help but overhear Plums hissed reference to her youth, and the obvious intimation included therein. It had her staring, a bit dumbfounded at her purse while Plum continued to apologize for Josh Clouds behavior, as if his paying her a gorgeous compliment was somehow insulting. Perhaps Plum thought hed been lying to her about that, only making fun, and that had her eyes fixed even more firmly on her little white purse. She picked at the red scarf tied to the corner, thankful for Lukes arm about her. Without thinking, Michelle reached up to rub at a painstakingly concealed bruise on the front of her neck.

"I made a reservation for three, but I'm sure that we could get an extra chair added."

Glancing up rather hopefully, Michelle found herself a mite fluttery watching the way Josh Cloud smiled at Plum. Even as she leaned into Lukes side, she couldnt help think that she wouldnt mind if Josh Cloud wanted to smile at her like that sometime. Just once. A half smile crept across her face.

It seemed like Josh Cloud wanted to join them, which would be something to write home about indeed but he mentioned other plans and her excitement drooped a bit. You could always bring your friend along, she said, rather surprising herself. Its too bad we cant go to the Three Broomsticks.