Then Joe said, "Hey—come back!" He set down the glass and went into the bedroom.
She was lying on her bed, her face hidden. Joe dropped onto the edge of the bed and put a tentative hand on her back.
"Hey now," he said softly, "if that's the way you feel about it I'll juice up some grapefruit." He moved his hand down and spanked lightly. "Hein?"
She didn't look up. She had turned her head and was looking at the corner of the room by Joe's bed.
"I do not feel well. Go away."
Joe's face was immediately concerned. He bent over her, reached for a wrist. "What's the matter, Sarah? Can I get you anything?" The wrist hung limply in his hand.
"No. Go away."
Joe straightened up and drew his eyebrows together in thought. Sarah was usually tearful and pretty much of a leech when she wasn't feeling well. Excessive commiserations and breakfast in bed were the rule at such times.
"Do you want me to get Doc Halprin?"
The blue-black head shook from side to side.