”No, that’s not true,” said Brendan, battling his impulse to pull Deirdre into his arms. He poured his sincerity out as he declared, “I mean it when I say I love you.”

Deirdre sneered. “You really think I’m going to believe you the second time? You’re only going to throw another gut punch over and over again! Get away from me, Brendan. I can’t stand a second of breathing the same air you do!”

She gnashed her teeth and descended the stairs hurriedly.

Mrs. Engel, mortified, hurried after her.