With that she took a last sip of her beer, dropped the bottle back into the paper bag, and began to stand. Carter got up, as well, and walked with her to the edge of the porch.There the two stood very close for a time, neither, it seemed, knowing just what to say. Carter looked up into the sky, where the moon was now beaming down on them with its soft light. The night, he noticed, had suddenly grown very still. Even the crickets had quieted, almost as if they were all listening and waiting to see what would happen next.

“So, what time do you leave tomorrow?” he said at last.

“I’m heading to Boston at around three,” she told him, “but my flight to Paris doesn’t leave till a little after seven.”

“Gee, I wish I could be here,” he said awkwardly, “you know, just to give you a hand with your luggage or whatever.”

“It’s okay,” Sheila reassured him. “I knew you wouldn’t be home from work yet.That’s why I came over tonight.”

“I’m glad you did,” he told her. “It really was nice. I don’t know why we never managed to spend some time together earlier this summer.” He gave a half smile before quickly adding, “And I’m not just saying that because I got free drinks and a movie out of the deal.”

“It was my pleasure,” said Sheila. “Next time it will be your treat.”

Carter nodded in agreement.

“I’d like that,” he said softly.

“So would I.”

Carter knew that it was time for her to leave, and it struck him how disappointed he felt at this moment’s coming. He stood there rather stupidly, trying very hard to think of something appropriate to say, until suddenly, with complete and natural ease, Sheila reached out and took his face in her hands. Carter felt himself go weak as she stretched up to him, brought her face to his, and kissed him gently on the cheek.

“See you someday, Carter Quinn,” she whispered. “Don’t forget me.”

“I won’t,” Carter promised, his head bowed. “Goodbye, Sheila.”

“In France they say au revoir,” she told him, tapping him under the chin.

“And in Italy they say arriverderci,” countered Carter.

Sheila smiled.

“I like the sound of both,” she said.

With that she pulled away from him, descended the steps, and started back across the yard to her house.

“Hey!” Carter called after her.

Sheila stopped and looked over her shoulder.

“Send me a postcard one of these days,” he said.

“I will if you will,” she answered.Then she went on her way.