His throat was dry. His whole body ached, as if reminding him he was no longer young and couldn’t afford to act that way. Footsteps came from behind him. He turned slightly. Ah, there she was. Erin. Beautiful Erin with a smile far too bright for this time of day. She sat down on the stool next to his. “Hey, stranger.” “Do I know you from somewhere?” “We may have met. I think you taught one of my college courses.” “Did I? So tell me, how’d I do?” “Oh, excellent. You got five chili peppers on the professor rating site.” At his raised eyebrow, she explained, “That means you’re hot.” He snorted, swigging the remainder of his apple juice. “Now I know you’re lying.” “Well, I think you’re hot.” Even though she was just being kind, something panged in his chest. She meant he was beautiful on the inside, or she’d just gotten used to the way he looked, and it was more than enough for him. It would have to be. With an exaggerated wink he said, “Back atcha, babe.
