“Hiiii,” Elliot said ingratiatingly as they approached. Myra and Peter looked surprised to see him, but—Elliot thought—not unhappy. Elliot was an expert in people being unhappy to see him. “Can I sit with you guys?” Elliot asked. “Of—of course!” said Peter. Elliot felt his winning smile widen into a real grin. He had not expected this to be so easy. He’d always had to chase the kids down the road to make them keep him company.
