"Jessi! Jessi!" cried Morgan. "Watch what I can do!" She started to turn a cartwheel in the middle of the living room, which was not that huge. In fact, it’s both the living room and the dining room; a big dining table is in the back, near the kitchen. "Uh, Morgan," I said. "That’s nice, but — "I never know whether it’s a good idea to tell kids what to do when their parents are standing right there. I mean,

I don't want to act as if I'm in charge or anything, but I am used to taking care of kids and I know that things like cartwheels in the living room aren't a great idea.

"Not here, honey," said Mrs. Walter, to my relief. "That’s an outside trick."

Morgan looked pouty for a moment, but then she brightened. "I love your earrings," she said, looking at the fish-shaped silver ones I'd chosen to wear that night. "I have some jewelry in my room," she added, grabbing my hand. "Come on, I'll show you."

Tyler spoke up, too. "I have a new computer game," he said. "Want to see?"

I glanced at Quint, and he took over. "You guys," he said, "Jessi just got here. Anyway, 7 have something to show her, and she's my guest."

He led me to his room and showed me the program for his ballet recital. "Isn't this cool?" he said. "I feel like a real professional."

"I can't believe you almost didn't go to Juilliard," I said. Quint had had some doubts about being a dancer when I first met him. He loved ballet, but he didn't love all the teasing from boys who thought ballet was for sissies.

"I know," he replied. "If s the best thing that ever happened to me. And I owe it to you. You're the one who talked me into auditioning for the school." He smiled and

leaned toward me with a look in his eyes that made me draw in my breath.

I was about to say, "Quint, we have to talk — "

But just then, Mrs. Walters called to say that dinner was ready. Saved by the bell.

The table was beautifully set, the chicken stew we had was great, and the conversation at dinner was fun, but I still felt just a little uncomfortable around Quint’s family. I wanted them to like me, but I wasn't even sure whether I'd be having anything to do with Quint in the future. Maybe he'd hate me when I said what I had to say. Then his family would hate me, too. I tried to shrug off my nervousness, but it didn't go away entirely.