Chapter 16

But Alan shakes his head. “Ah, I owe you, remember? From our little game the other night? You guessed right.”

“Eventually.” Jim takes his food when the server offers it: a plate with a fat blueberry muffin on it and a tall cappuccino. As he sips his drink, he looks at Alan over the top of the cup. “You paying makes me feel like this is a date.”

“Oh, I’m not thatcheap,” Alan jokes.

“Well, thanks. It’s my turn next time.” Jim starts to walk away, then calls back over his shoulder, “Stop by on your way out.”

The server hands Alan his change, then the usual bag with his orange scone inside. His double espresso arrives seconds later, set carefully on the counter where he can get it. Then Alan turns to follow Jim, who’s sitting at his usual table by the door.

When Alan approaches, Jim nods at the empty chair. “Can you sit for a minute? Or do you have to rush off to work?”