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Jerry.
Then, from another bracket, one line extended, where Jerry now drew a large question mark.
    â€œSo,” he said, finishing off the question mark with an emphatic dot.
    â€œI took mine right out of the
Kama Sutra.
I don’t know why she didn’t like it,” Jack said.
    â€œOh,
no.
You didn’t tell me that,” Chris Hartley moaned. He sat on the floor beside the bed with his hands clenched around bent knees. “
I
used some stuff from the
Kama Sutra.”
    â€œNot very subtle, guys,” Phil remarked from his perch on the windowsill.
    â€œShe should only know how subtle my prick is.”
    â€œShut up, Jack,” Chris said. His voice was brittle, and there was a sudden silence.
    Finally Jerry said cheerfully, “Don’t despair, Chris. It’s fifty-fifty now.”
    Chris looked up at Jerry’s athletic body and handsome face. “How much longer is she going to keep us waiting?” he asked anxiously.
    â€œThe Virgin Quinn will no doubt take her own sweet time,” remarked an amused voice. Everyone turned to see Will Ingraham leaning against the doorframe. “Jesus, Jerry, this place looks like an armpit.”
    â€œSmells like one, too,” Jack muttered.
    â€œSo who’s going to win the Irish Sweepstakes?” Will asked, nodding toward the chalkboard.
    â€œI’m ecstatic to report that Mr. Chris Hartley and yours truly,” Jerry said with a small bow, “have attained the status of semifinalists.” He pronounced
semi
as if it were
sem-eye.
“In a few short days one of us will be the proud possessor of the gold medal.”
    â€œHow do you know it’s gold?” Jack asked.
    â€œMaybe you’ll get a brass ring instead,” Phil remarked.
    Chris shot Phil a malevolent glance and said, “I just want to know why it’s taking her so Goddamn long …”
    â€œMaybe a light went on in that weird head and she decided to back out,” Will suggested.
    â€œShe wouldn’t!” Chris exclaimed.
    â€œNo, probably not,” Will said. “She set the rules, she’ll go through with it if the winner brings along his pet boa constrictor.”
    â€œIf Chris wins, he’s got one built in,” Jack said.
    Everyone laughed, even Chris. When he was pleased, the tense line of his jaw relented, softening into a child-like curve.
    â€œGood luck,” Will said. “Especially to the winner.” He disappeared from the doorway. Phil’s high-pitched version of Catherine Earnshaw’s ghost floated down the hall after him: “Oh, Heeeeea-th-cliff …”
    Chris got up quickly and left the room. When he finally caught up with Will, Chris grabbed his arm a little too hard.
    Will spun around, frowning. “What the hell are you—”
    â€œSorry,” Chris panted. “Jesus, you’re fast … Look, this is a little embarrassing … there’s a favor. See …” He stopped to take a breath and patted Will’s arm tentatively where he had fastened on to it. “You okay?”
    Will nodded, curiosity replacing his irritation.
    â€œYou’re good in English,” Chris went on. “I mean, you really have a mind. Original. Could you … I mean, I’d pay you. I gave Quinn Mallory this thing and it’s no good, and I know Jerry’s going to win if I don’t hustle.” Will looked puzzled, and Chris shook his head in frustration. “Look, I’ll give you fifty bucks to do something really great for her. But it has to be right away. Tonight …”
    Will interrupted him. “Hey, listen, Chris, I can’t do that.”
    â€œPlease. Jerry doesn’t give a damn. She’s just another piece of ass to him. I really care. I never even dared ask her out and then I got her letter about the contest, and I’ve really got a shot at it …”
    â€œI’m sorry. No.”
    â€œOh, come on,” Chris