And where’s the Purple People Eater?” Joe stood in Julie’s office doorway. Gray hair ruffled, wearing running shorts and a T-shirt, he looked like he’d just come in from jogging. “Looks like you’re running late, too.” Julie pushed aside the modified Bad Luck questionnaire that she wasn’t really reading. She couldn’t even muster a smile for her pun. “And Linda is busy doing important work.” Hopefully finding her mother and daughter. “Aha.” He twirled an imaginary mustache, a dimple creasing his cheek. “Then I’ve found you without your chaperone.” “You better leave before you compromise me.” “What would be the fun of that?” “Compromising me?” “Leaving before I did.” She shook her head at him and smiled at his nonsense, despite her worry. She eyed his running attire. “What’s with the outfit?” He put a hand on her doorjamb. “I’ve been running to work lately. I enjoy being outside.” For a moment his face looked wistful and then the expression was gone.
