"I'm not going to be able to go with you this afternoon," I said. "Oh." She didn't seem crushed, but I could tell she wasn't overjoyed, either. "Well, I guess I can find enough stuff myself." "Okay," I said. "Will you be at the meeting?" Kristy asked. "Yeah." "See you." " 'Bye." It was mid-winter, but it felt chillier inside than out. * * *"