“Sweet,” my mother says in the voice she uses when she wants to make you hide in a corner.

“Tommy told me about my folks,” Solo says. “I didn’t know all that. I didn’t know what they did, who they were. I thought … well, I thought you were just a ruthless, amoral, manipulative, cold bitch.”

Mom nods. “Yes. All that’s true.”

“Okay, then,” Solo says uncertainly.

Poor Solo. I think he’s half-expecting one of those heartwarming TV moments. Wrong crowd for that.

Solo looks over at Aislin. He smiles.

Then he notices Adam.

“Oh my God.” Solo blinks. “It’s you.”

“I am Adam,” Adam says. “Adam Allbright.”

Solo turns his gaze to me. “So. Your perfect guy.”

I shrug. “Yeah, well, perfect isn’t quite right for me.”

“Seriously?” He’s incredulous. He looks over at Adam again. “I mean, damn, Eve. Dude is amazing.”

“I’m going for slightly less than amazing.”

I am trying desperately to be as romantic as I can be with my mother in the room. Solo is, of course, screwing it up.

“But look at him!” Solo urges. “I’m totally straight and I’d do him.”

“Thanks,” Adam says.

“You want me over him?” Solo asks. “Are you nuts?”

“Apparently,” I say.

“I am too perfect for Evening,” Adam volunteers. “But that’s all right.” He smiles shyly at Aislin. “I am not too perfect for Aislin.”

Solo struggles to sit up. He’s woozy. I join him on the bed and help him sit up. This involves putting an arm around his back. I brush his damp hair out of his eyes.

His back isn’t as nice as Adam’s. His hair isn’t as nice, either.

But I remember kissing Adam. And I remember kissing Solo. And I know which one I want to do again.

Well, okay, both. But more Solo.

Solo gazes at me. He has amazing eyes. The same heart-stopping blue as Adam’s.

But there’s something in Solo’s eyes that I just couldn’t find in Adam’s.

“Would it be okay if I tried sketching you sometime soon?” I ask.

“Would it be okay if I tried kissing you sometime soon?” Solo asks.

“You’re all covered with that goo medium from the vat,” I point out. “You need a shower.”

“Good point.” Solo traces an index finger along my wrist.

I glance over my shoulder and realize that my mother, Adam, and Aislin have all slipped out of the room.

We’re alone.

“I can get you to the shower. After that you’re on your own,” I say.

He takes one weak hand and wipes the goo from it on my hair. “Now you need a shower, too.” He tries out a suggestive look.

“Oh please: You’re weak as a kitten,” I say.

He kisses me and I kiss him back, goo and all. Then I remember that Solo recovers very quickly.

So I walk him to the shower.