We met at a coffeehouse down the street from the firm. A tall blonde with a deep tan (a description that fit most of the women I’d seen in California) sat waiting on a couch inside the café, whom I guessed correctly to be Missy. She treated me to a mocha, and all fears of uneasy conversation were put to rest when, after only a few minutes, our similarities bridged the gap of unfamiliarity. Before either of us knew it, nearly two hours had passed.

“Oh Missy, I’m so sorry; I had no idea how late it was!” I said when I realized the time. “I hope you’re not missing dinner or anything.”

She laughed. “Our family meals are usually of the fend-for-yourself variety. You’re not missing anything important, I hope.”

I rolled my eyes. “I have no plans, ever. That’s why you’re here, remember?”

She looked sympathetic. “I thought Mom was just exaggerating when she said you didn’t know anyone.”

I shook my head and shrugged. “Well, yeah, I guess that was a bit of an exaggeration. After all, I know your mom, and Aida, and both Mr. Williamses. Think any of them would be up for dancing Saturday night?”

Missy giggled. “Oh my, the thought of my mom dancing is a bit much for me.” She sobered quickly as she poked the straw around her plastic mocha cup. “It’s weird, though. I hadn’t really thought of it, but it’s not that easy to meet people, is it? It’s one thing to be in college and join student groups, but it’s not like there’s a big ‘join up’ festival every fall in the real world, laying out all your options.” She finished off her second mocha and tossed the empty plastic cup in the trash bin behind her. “Do you go to church ever? That might be a good place to meet people.”

I nearly laughed, except I figured that perhaps she thought that was a good idea because she went to church, and I didn’t want to offend her. “No, actually, I don’t. My parents weren’t into that when I was growing up, and I never really saw the need.”

“I go to one in Laguna Viejo; there’s a Sunday night service with lots of people our age. They organize social stuff. Might be a good place to meet people, if nothing else.”

I nodded, trying to look like I was considering her offer. “That sounds pretty cool. Maybe if I get desperate I’ll check it out.” The words were out of my mouth before I could filter them, and I was instantly embarrassed.