It was a laugh Sisse knew, although she hadn't heard this particular one from Mr. Bixby before. It was a laugh that meant she wasn't believed. It happened more than one might expect. But Sisse was used to proving such laughs wrong. She was docile in appearance and mannerism, but her mother had been right to say that she had always wanted to be a contrary. Only a tad contrary, Sisse could now amend. Her mother would likely chuckle if Sisse were to add such a statement to the conversation now, but when she'd been younger Sisse had never dared even admit it. Although her mother had indeed been right. Still, she knew what she was capable of much more than Mr. Bixby. Let him think what he would.

However, his words caught her off guard. "Oh." He wasn't going for her. She knew that. And yet some small part of her wondered. A few months ago she would have teased him about his attentions, but she knew very well what they were now - that is to say there were none. Which meant he would be there for Calla. "I'm sure Calla will be so grateful to see you all." Sisse forced herself to add before it was too awkwardly silent to utter anything.