She sighed. “I’m going to have to find a new walking route, aren’t I?”
“Nah. I can take a hint if you spell it out explicitly enough. You want me to leave you alone if I see you again?”
She should say yes. She knew that. But there was something charming in his endless energy and nonstop chatter. Something witty and confident and sassy that matched the same qualities in herself. And he was engaged. Was there any harm in having a male friend as long as there really was no interest?
She knew the answer—Tony wouldn’t like it. He trusted her—she knew he did. He just didn’t trust anyone else.
But Evelyn was a big girl, and she could take care of herself just fine. And bantering with Fred felt more like being with Sam than flirtation. It was like he knew her already—how to push her buttons, how to calm her back down after riling her up. And whether she would admit it to Fred or not, she was enjoying his company.
“I didn’t say that,” she said. “Besides, you keep the criminals and perverts away.”
“Little do they know you’re the one to fear, between the fists and the hat pin. Can I see it, by the way?”
“The right hook?”
“Preferably the hat pin.” She pulled it from her wool cloche hat and held it up for him to see. “Yes, that could do some damage. I’ll make sure I behave.”
“See that you do.”
He offered a sweeping bow. “I shall be a perfect gentleman.” When he straightened, he offered his arm, which she took delicately after replacing the pin. “There now. So tell me more about this fella of yours and why he hasn’t put a ring on your finger yet to make sure everyone knows he claimed you.”
“How do you know I’m not wearing a ring? I have gloves on.”
“Did he cough one up over Thanksgiving, then?”
She removed her hand from his arm and scowled in reply.
“I suppose that’s a no. So what’s the problem there?”
“There’s no problem.”
“You haven’t said his name yet. That’s how I know there’s a problem.”
“Maybe I just don’t tell everyone everything that’s ever happened to me like you do.”
“First of all, I haven’t told you the half of what’s happened to me. You don’t know I had my tonsils out when I was eight or that I’m extremely allergic to paprika.”
“I do now.”
“That’s true. Do you want to know about my cousin Herbie? He ate a grasshopper once.”
Evelyn finally laughed. “I hope you don’t have a roommate. The poor fellow must want to murder you in your sleep if you do.”
“Charlie? Nah. Well, maybe. Let’s not give him a hat pin.” He offered his arm back, and she took it again. “So what’s his name?”
“Tony.”
He shook his head. “No, can’t play that one off as Jewish when your parents find out.” She didn’t reply again. “Come on, you can tell your dear old uncle Fred the whole sad tale.”
“Another time.” They were nearing the turnoff toward her dormitory.
“I’ll walk you home.”
“You’ll do no such thing. I don’t need the gossip.”
“Coffee, then? Tomorrow night?”
And against her better judgment, Evelyn found herself agreeing, which led to the dinner they had just finished eating and the discussion of the Boston Common Christmas lights.
“Then let’s go see the lights.”
“And what would Betty say if she knew you were walking around Boston Common with a beautiful girl doing something as romantic as looking at all the Christmas lights?”
“Who says I’m going with a beautiful girl? I’d be going with you!”
Evelyn threw her head back and laughed. “I should be mad at you for that one.”
“Look, there’s no denying you’re attractive, but if I start telling you that, where will we be? You’re my friend. Why can’t two friends look at some lights outside in a public place?” She didn’t reply, and he sensed her wavering. “Besides, it’s not romantic unless you’re a gentile. Jews don’t kiss under mistletoe. We’ll talk the whole time about how tacky the goyish couples are for thinking it means anything.”
She felt a twinge of guilt. Tony had been reassured by what happened between them over Thanksgiving, and she didn’t want to break that trust. But it wasn’t like she was interested in Fred—sure, she might have been had Tony not been in the picture, but poor Fred never stood a chance. Not that he seemed to want to—as far as she could tell, he didn’t have any interest in her beyond friendship, which did make Evelyn wonder more than once if Betty was destined for an unpleasant surprise with this particular husband.