The thought of visiting some of the places on her bucket list was tempting, very tempting. But it wasn’t that simple and now wasn’t the time. They had a killer to catch. “I’ll think about it. What time is your date coming?”

Laura checked her cell. “He said seven.”

Yael checked her watch too. It was five to. “I’ll hang out at the bar until you give me the thumbs up signal.”

Why someone as attractive and internet savvy as Laura found dates via the internet Yael didn’t know. She didn’t trust the apps. The guy was probably nothing like his profile picture and she couldn’t imagine hooking up with someone based on their online persona. She knew how fake that could be. Then again, so did Laura and most of the rest of the dating universe. Why was Yael one of the last holdouts when it came to internet dating when she didn’t exactly go out of her way to meet people in real life either?

Maybe because the last thing she wanted to do was actually get involved with anyone? Definitely maybe. Celibacy was easier if a lot lonelier. She recalled a pair of wintergreen eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

Laura glanced at her. “You don’t need to stay, you know. I’ll be fine. If I don’t click with this guy, I’ll probably head back to DC tonight to avoid the morning traffic. I can give you a ride home first.”

A roar erupted from a group of young men playing pool in the back corner of the bar. Yael glanced over at them. Some of the guys were eyeing them. Her fingers clenched into fists in her lap. “Don’t worry about the ride. If you hit it off send me a text and I’ll order a cab or whatever.”

“Okay, if you’re sure. I’m heading to the restroom now.” Laura kissed Yael’s cheek and glanced at the guys playing pool with a knowing glint in her eye, but thankfully didn’t suggest anything.

“Be careful. You know how many creeps there are in the world.” Yael wiped her cheek as she headed over to the bar to order another drink. She grabbed a stool and slipped out of her leather jacket. Sitting here like a spare part was the least she could do for her friend, even if it meant she was at a bar rather than curled up on her new living room sofa, watching the latest episode of Survivor.

Her beer arrived and she paid the barkeep.

A man came in and stood beside her.