“Really? I think you always should be front and center.”

Nora stopped walking and faced her. “Why is that?”

“B-because…” I can’t think straight when you look at me like that. “Because you’re a remarkable woman. What’s that old expression? Don’t hide your light under a bushel.”

“First, I’m too tall for a bushel to hide me, and secondly, I can’t imagine what it is you think you see in me. I’m just…me.”

“You’re a bona fide doctor. There aren’t many women doctors that I know of, nor I would guess, many women scientists. That’s what you are, isn’t it? A scientist?”

“Yes. I have a doctoral degree in Physics from Columbia University.”

“See? That, right there, is mighty special. Heck, I don’t know that I can even spell the word physics, never mind be an expert in it.”

“I’m sure you don’t give yourself enough credit. I’ve seen the way you pick up the nuances of the fluctuations in the unit and how you make adjustments to compensate. You’ve really got a knack for it.”

Mary’s head swelled with pride. “You think so? Heck, that’s nothing more than dumb luck.”

“Nobody’s that lucky all the time. You should learn to take a compliment.”

“Pot, kettle, Dr. Lindstrom.”

“Fair enough.” They reached the windows of the A & P store. “Are you ready to head up the hill? My place isn’t more than a ten-minute walk from here.”

Butterflies took up residence in Mary’s stomach. “Sure. Lead the way.” For the first time, she was going to be all alone with Nora—no other movie-goers, no fellow diners in the cafeteria, no other cubicle operators—just the two of them. With Sam, Mary tired of having to fend him off, so she mostly avoided being alone with him. At least in public, he had to behave himself. But the idea of being alone with Nora thrilled her. This was all so confusing. Why did she feel the way she did…about a woman? Because she’s the female version of what you’ve been longing for. Warmth suffused her body, displacing the cold of the late-December night air.

“…made you want to come to Oak Ridge?”

She frowned. If you don’t quit daydreaming, she’s going to think you’re a complete snowflake. “I’m sorry. What did you ask?”

“Never mind. I’m sure I’m boring you.”

“What? No! Never! Please, tell me what you asked.”

“I asked what brought you to this place? Where are you from?”

“Oh. I’m from Philadelphia, which sounds far more exotic and interesting than it was, believe me.”

“That’s a good-size city.”