They both ordered cheeseburgers with fries. “I’m going to hate myself in a few hours, when the french fries start reminding me of what an idiot I was to eat them.” Ellie dunked one into the ketchup.

“Yeah. Why is that everything that tastes good and feels good is bad for you?” Luna wiped her mouth.

“Speaking of what is good for you, you have had a very different aura about you since you got back.” Ellie smiled as she slathered more ketchup on the crispy potatoes.

“Funny. That’s what Cullen said. Imagine him using the word ‘aura.’”

“I can. Because it’s true. You and the marshal had a nice time together?”

“We did, indeed.” She took another bite of her juicy burger.

“I don’t mean to pry. But I know how fond you are of each other. I guess what I am trying to say is that you and Christopher seem well suited for each other.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Luna pointed her pinky at Ellie as she chomped down on the meat.

“Goodness, girl. You aren’t getting any younger. Isn’t it time for you to . . .”

“Settle down?” Luna quickly interrupted.

“Not in the traditional sense of settling down. I know that’s not your thing. But having a nice, warm relationship with someone isn’t a terrible thing.”

Luna wiped her hands on the checkered cloth napkin.

“You are right. There are no rules anymore. Sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes not so much.”

“Have you made plans to see each other again?” Ellie asked.

“Yes! I am going back weekend after next to help him pick out paint and a few other things.”

“Well, it sounds to me he surely wants your participation.”

“And I am happy to do it.” Luna reached over and grabbed one of Ellie’s fries. “You’re right. These are not good for you. I’ll help you get rid of them.”

Ellie smacked Luna’s hand with a fry. “Don’t get too handsy with me, little lady.”

Luna laughed and motioned for the waitress to bring the check. “I don’t mean to rush, but now that we have more pieces to the puzzle, maybe we can find a name or two in the newspapers.”

“I should probably stop eating these things anyway,” Ellie said.

After they paid the bill, Luna decided to change the subject. “Tell me about Nathan. You’ve known him a long time.”

“I have. He’s a wonderful man.”

“So?” Luna peered into Ellie’s eyes.

“My dear, he’s gay. He has kept it on the down-low for years. It’s only been a little over a decade that the LGBTQ community has become more visible. We don’t have a gay district or a ‘gayborhood,’ but we’re much more inclusive now.”

“I really never gave it much thought,” Luna contemplated.