“Maybe he’s not going. He does like to get home to his family.”

“Yes.” She pressed her lips tight, disappointed that she would miss out on this event.

“But you should ask him.”

“Ask him directly?”

“Yes, why not?”

She shrugged; Hunter must have a good reason, and she didn’t want to be too pushy.

Tim said, “The focus is on high tech and finance. I’m hoping I can make connections that can lead to new business.”

“Yes, I’m worried about that—the business development part of being a partner. Our firm has such established clients. I mean, I have good relationships with my peers at the banks …” she said.

“Exactly, and as they move up the ranks, they’ll want you. I’ve seen you with clients at our firm’s events. They love you. And not just as their lawyer. You’re calm and organized and have a good sense of humor—it’s the same reason so many associates want to work with you.”

“That’s so sweet of you to say.” That was the warmest thing Tim had ever said to her. A glow of pride suffused her.

Loud coughing from her talkative neighbor interrupted their conversation. Tim looked over, concerned.

“Do you need some water?” he asked.

“That would be lovely,” their neighbor said.

Tim looked surprised she’d accepted his offer, but he strode to the counter.

Leaning close, her watery eyes peering into Audrey’s, words fast and clipped, the older woman whispered, “All right, I think he likes you.”

So, she hadn’t been imagining that their relationship was more than just a friendship.

The older woman continued, “But you need to dress up more for him. What is it with young women today? You’re wearing black pants and a white blouse, like a waiter. You need to wear a dress. And flirt! In my day …” Tim returned and handed her a glass of water.

Audrey’s lips curled into a wry smile. The dismal state of her love life was so obvious that strangers in coffee shops were giving her advice.

Batting her eyelashes, the woman offered a wide smile. “Thank you. I didn’t think that they made gentlemen like you anymore.”

“At your service.” Tim looked embarrassed as he slid into his seat.

The woman winked at Audrey and shifted slightly away. Audrey wasn’t sure how to flirt with Tim, especially with an audience. But she wasn’t about to be bested by her muumuu-wearing neighbor. She tried a wide smile.

Looking down as he flipped through the documents, Tim frowned. “I’m thinking of having a party with some college friends who became investment bankers so I can get back in touch, but my schedule has to free up first. And they work the same crazy hours as me, so it’s hard to schedule with them.”