She got together with Megan once more, and then they mutually stopped contacting each other. Charlene was okay with a completely superficial, "only about the sex" encounter every once in a very long while, but for the most part it wasn't her thing. She liked Megan well enough, but she'd never date her, and she knew Megan felt the same way, so they settled for a couple of orgasm-packed nights and then cheerfully went their separate ways again.

Tonight her plans were to stay home and read. She ordered a pizza and checked her e-mail. Only one message stood out amongst the spam:

Hi, Charlene! Warren Taywood here. I wanted to wait for things to calm down for you before I got in touch. I'm starting a new web series called "Deep Dive Into Heroism," where we do an hour-long look at people like you who risked their own lives to save others. Very uplifting and inspiring stuff, but not sappy. We're a small startup venture, but there would be some pay involved, and you'd get to tell your story in more than a sound bite. I'd love to meet for dinner (my treat!) and I can give you an overview of my vision for the project. If you're interested, let me know your availability and we'll set something up. Thanks! – Warren.

She considered just ignoring it, but decided to write back.

Thanks for thinking of me. I'm not really interested in talking about my experience, so I'll have to pass. Sorry.

Before the pizza arrived, he'd responded.

I understand. However, I think you'll like the approach I'm going to take with the material. It won't be exploitative or sensationalized. It'll be a very respectful project, focusing on you as a person and not dwelling on any of the gory details. I'd also let you see the episode before it went live, and if you REALLY weren't comfortable with it I simply wouldn't upload it. (I can make that promise because I'm sure you'd be happy with it.) If nothing else, you can get a free meal out of giving me the opportunity to describe the project in person. You pick the restaurant. Appetizers and dessert included. Please consider it. – Warren.

Charlene wrote back immediately.

No.

She closed the lid of her laptop. The pizza arrived a few minutes later, and she settled in for a night of pepperoni, extra cheese, and erotica.

* * *

Thanks, Warren, typed Gertie. I'd be interested in discussing this further. I work until 10:00 PM for the next three nights, so a lunch meeting would work better. As long as I'm done by around 1:30 PM I can get together anytime this week.

* * *