Even though it was the first time she’d ever asked me about my personal life, I didn’t want to share. “He’s really just more of a friend,” I said.

“Guys don’t send chocolates and massive flower bouquets just to be friends. There’s always an agenda. What’s the lowdown?”

“His name is Nicholas.”

“What does he do?”

“He’s a lawyer on the seventh floor.”

“Nicholas what?”

“Derr.”

She puzzled a moment then said, “As in Derr, Nelson and McKay? You’re dating one of the partners?”

“We’re just . . .” The truth was, I didn’t know whether or not he was a partner, but Zoey’s incredulity made me angry. “Yes. Of course.”

“Oh,” she said. “Well done.”

“Don’t look so surprised,” I said.

“It’s just that you’ve never showed much interest in dating.”

“Maybe I just hadn’t met the right man,” I replied.

“Nicholas is the right man?”

“Maybe.” This was already more fun than I’d thought it would be. “I’ve decided to at least give him until Christmas.”

“You’re giving him until Christmas?”

“I think that’s enough time to see if I like him.”

She looked almost stunned. “Okay,” she said. She started to turn away, then said, “Oh, could you trade me lunchtimes today? I met this guy last night and he’s coming to meet me.”

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m meeting Nicholas.”

You have no idea how good it felt saying no. It was the first time I’d ever turned her down. It was the first time I’d had a reason to.

A little after noon I went to the food court. Nicholas wasn’t there yet, so I ordered my usual salad and sat down at my usual table. Nicholas showed up about ten minutes later.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” he said, looking stressed. “Long-winded client, antitrust stuff. Too dull to discuss.”

“It’s okay,” I said.

He sat down across from me. “How’s your day?”

“Good,” I said. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”

“Like you.”

I smiled a little. “And the chocolates.”

“Do you like chocolate?”

“All women like chocolate. It’s like female catnip.”

He grinned. “I hoped as much.”

“You don’t need to spend so much, you know.”

“I know,” he said simply.

“Are you going to get something to eat?”

“No, I’m sorry. I know we were going to go through our schedules today, but my morning fell apart and I have to get back to that meeting. I just didn’t want to leave you hanging down here alone.”

“It’s okay, I’m used to it.”

“You shouldn’t be,” he said. “Is tomorrow okay?”

“Same time, same place.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye, Elise.”

“Bye.”

He got up and walked away.