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you. What’s up with that?”
    She shook her head. “Long story. Sad story. A dad story.”
    Elizabeth saw the dejection in his face. Oh great. I’ll lose a chance to go out with him because my dad is psycho about me getting in a car with any teenager.
    “You haven’t had anything to drink, have you?” she asked.
    “Like what?”
    She felt stupid. “You know. Alcohol.”
    “What?” Matt looked annoyed. “Do you really think I would drink and drive?”
    He started to pull away.
    “Stop. Stop, Matt. I just wanted to be sure.”
    He turned the engine off and clicked his hazards on.
    “You know me. I wouldn’t drink and drive.”
    She nodded as Matt opened his door and walked to the back of the car to get her bike. “Ah, I don’t know if it’s going to fit. Can we take off a wheel or something?”
    Elizabeth effortlessly disconnected the brake before removing the front wheel and Matt took the bike frame from her.
    As Matt struggled to squeeze the bike frame and front wheel into the trunk, Elizabeth settled into the passenger seat. She pulled her Islander hat off, checking in the side mirror to see if her hair was flat. She buckled her seatbelt and observed the contents of the opened and unused ashtray. Is that a guitar pick ?
    Matt slammed the trunk shut and slid behind the wheel.
    “Cool car,” she said.
    Matt laughed. “You’re being nice. It was made before we were born but I guess as long as it gets me around, it’ll do.”
    “Hey, can you teach me how to drive?”
    “You’re only a freshman.”
    Elizabeth frowned. “Thanks for reminding me, oh ye great big high school junior.” She tied her hair back, trying to think of something to say. “How did you like class today?”
    “I’m into the whole ancient civilization stuff, so I found it interesting. What got you involved in the subject? Don’t you think you’re kinda young for a community college class?”
    “First, enough about my age. Didn’t you ever hear it’s just a number?”
    He persisted. “How’d you get into the class anyway?”
    “A connection through my father.” She straightened in her seat. “And, second, I know all about ancient civilizations, more than you think.”
    “You do?”
    “I do.”
    Matt chuckled. “Sounds like we’re getting married.”
    She nervously pushed the radio station button a few times. “I almost did.”
    “Get out of here. What are you talking about?”
    She pointed to her house up ahead, although Matt knew where she lived. “Over there.”
    He turned into the driveway and parked the car.
    Elizabeth became aware of the short distance between them as she unbuckled her seat belt. “Well,” she said awkwardly. “Thanks for the ride.”
    “Tell me how you know so much, smarty,” he said. “I won’t even ask you what you meant about the marriage thing.”
    “Someday I will. But not now.”
    “When?”
    “Not sure.” She pushed on the door handle and it flew open, then ricocheted back at her. Desperate to get out of the car, she threw her foot in its path, and tried in earnest not to grimace when she felt the door crunch her foot against the car frame.
    “Wait,” Matt shouted.
    “I got it, never mind.” Elizabeth hopped out of the car, landing on her throbbing foot. She limped toward the trunk, hoping that he wouldn’t notice her flushed face. She turned to see him looking at her over the roof of his car. “Thanks again.”
    “Hang on,” he said. “I want to ask you something else. How about going to a movie or something?”
    She took a few seconds to compose herself. “Sure. I’ll let you know. Let me check with my dad and see what’s going on today. Can you wait a minute?”
* * *
    Outside the church several parishioners milled around the front steps, chatting about what they did the previous night, who they planned on seeing this evening, and their upcoming Thanksgiving plans. Michael was greeted by men shaking his hand and women planting friendly kisses on his