“I think I have no idea what mini humans enjoy, but I did see a lot of children who were smiling, so maybe?” This might be why Elsie doesn’t ask me to babysit often. And I’m okay with that.

“You’re the worst.” Elsie rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling, so I don’t take too much offense.

“Did you do anything else?” Daisy gets us back on track and I appreciate her focus.

“Not anything big.” I grab my previously frozen margarita and take a long sip. “I’ve taken him to a couple of my favorite restaurants and to see an art show at Abend Gallery. He’s been working and I started the next book on the list.”

It’s been dangerous, because it almost feels like we’re a normal couple and not virtual strangers with a definite end date looming.

A couple of weeks ago, Jasper started coming into the Book Nook on days I work, bringing his laptop to work on his next great novel. He sits in the same rocking chair every morning with a large cup of coffee and a breakfast burrito from a restaurant around the corner from his place. I try to leave him alone, but I can’t help the way I gravitate toward him, always checking the shelves around him and jumping at the opportunity to answer any question about Colorado he may have. I love watching the way he leans into his computer and pecks away at the keyboard. When he gets stuck, his eyebrows furrow together and he glares at the computer screen before reaching into his snack-filled backpack and pulling out a Red Vine to munch on.

“That’s fun and cute. But I think what we really want to know is if you’ve seen the man naked yet,” Elsie says, and I choke on my spit at the forwardness of her question.

“Oh my god.” I take a giant sip of my margarita to try to calm my coughing. “I can’t believe you asked that.”

“Why?” Elsie asks. “You know I live vicariously through you and this is the first time in our adult lives that you’re actually serving. I need details . . . and lots of them.”

Daisy says nothing, but she nods so hard that her topknot comes loose.

“There are no details.” I hold back my laughter when they both look like I’ve kicked their puppies. “But I have been thinking of our next adventure and I could use your help.”

“Ughhhh.” Elsie throws her head back and her sunglasses slip off her head, hitting the concrete beneath the table with a crack. I’d be surprised if they survived. “You know I can’t help with outdoorsy crap.”