I've learned you don't gain anything if you play it safe. [she's tried various methods and the ones where she didn't take chances never got her much farther. not that taking chances with James did much for her either.] And no, he didn't.

[it seemed like it was mutual. she came for Vander when he needed a distraction and he came through for her then, too. there was probably something to be said about avoidance but Maria didn't think it was quite that. it was just easier to be cheerful around Vander because they both needed it, she thought. she was drawn to that.

she walks in and jokes,] I'm not scared of spiders so I'll even get one for you if you are.

If we sit in a booth, we can look into each other's eyes.