Chapter 188

Jarred and Janet stayed at the restaurant with me and Douglas for another half an hour. They asked me some questions about my work. Their attitude toward me toned down a bit after they learned that I was working on a project myself. Later, Jarred told us that he had something to attend to and that he and Janet had to leave. So, Douglas and I followed the two of them to the parking lot and saw them off. I thought that this show was finally coming to an end, but Janet suddenly called out to me and said, "Douglas' grandfather invited an opera singer to perform back at home. Why don't you come over to our house to enjoy the performance?" I hadn't anticipated something like this. I was clueless about how to respond. Coming here and putting on an act for a while was fine, but going over to the Irvin residence was on another level. Douglas noticed the pleading in my eyes and came up with an excuse to help me deal with it. "Nancy's uncle has been hospitalized," he said. "She has t