After the bitching I'd done to Abe about going to remote, crappy places, I should have been excited about the prospect of going to Sin City.

I'm like a fine wine. I get better with age. The best is yet to come.

In an undertone, I murmured, "This isn't over. I won't give up on you." "I've given up on you," he said back, voice also soft. "Love fades. Mine has.

While I'm fine with you two dating and being happy, please try not to break his heart too much when the time comes.

You were wrong. She really is the new general in town." I smiled back, hoping he wasn't aware of my body's reaction to us standing so close. "Maybe. But, it's okay. You can still be colonel." He arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Did you demote yourself? Colonel's right below general. What's that make you?" I reached into my pocket and triumphantly flashed the CR-V keys I'd swiped when we'd come back inside. "The driver," I said.

Staring into the mirror, I was surprised to see a haunted look in my brown eyes. There was pain there, pain and loss that even the nicest dress and makeup couldn't hide.

Can't you... I don't. Find a hobby or something?" "Being charming is my hobby.