Bob’s next words were unexpected, to say the least. “You got protection? Or do we need to go to the drugstore?”

“What?” Ray gaped at his friend, looking both mortified and horrified at once. Della couldn’t blame him. She was pretty mortified herself. This conversation was right up there with the dildo one.

“You know…a rubber?”

“Yes, Bob. I know what you mean.” He bugged his eyes at his buddy and slid his gaze meaningfully sideways at Della and back again. “It’s just…not like that. And besides, as far as I know, it’s not possible to get an eighty-four-year-old woman pregnant.”

Bob gave a snort. “This isn’t about pregnancy, old-timer. This is about STDs. You know. Chlamydia. And the clap. According to the latest stats out of the CDC, the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in residential facilities for seniors is on the rise.”

Della blinked. She was pretty sure there were people out there in the public-health space who weren’t as up on the latest CDC figures regarding STDs as Bob Downey.

“It seems like with all those little blue pills men are popping and the risk of pregnancy not being an issue, old folks are getting it on more than ever.” Bob winked at Della. “Apparently it’s like spring break in some senior facilities.”

Okay. They were now entering the realm of too much information. Della was happy that seniors were getting it on like college kids in Cancún, but dear God… Please make it stop.

“Bob, you have way too much time on your hands,” Ray said. “It’s just a date. Some drinks and conversation at Jack’s, then walk her to her door. Maybe a friendly kiss on her cheek, if she seems amenable. That’s it.”

“Okay, okay, no need to get your panties in a bunch. I’m just sayin’.”

“Ah…” Della pointed to the door. “Think I’ll keep going, if we’re done here?”

“Yes, thank you, dear.” Ray smiled. “And apologies for this fool. He can be a few peas short of a casserole from time to time.”

Bob hooted out a laugh, clearly not remotely insulted. “Never liked peas anyway.”

“Yeah, me neither,” Ray agreed, and then they were both laughing.

Della took advantage of the moment to back out of the room. She loved those two old guys, but maybe eternal spinsterhood wasn’t such a bad proposition after all.

Ten minutes later, Della entered Rosemary’s villa. She was in her usual position on the window seat, a book in hand. Clearly, she was not suffering the same nerves as Ray.

“I hear you have a date tonight,” Della said as she approached the window.