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.

Who... who are you?' I asked at last. It was true. I had left a body in the park, but seriously, what was I supposed to do? Drag him back to my hotel and tell my bellhop my friend had had too much to drink?

the choices we made today were templates for the future.

I certainly hadn't expected to walk away from today's trip with joint custody of a miniature dragon.

He shrugged. "The same as any other. It's a way to make people feel better about themselves. Everyone likes feeling special. Being part of an elite group is a way to do that." "But you weren't part of it?" "No need. I already know I'm special.

You will lose what you value most, so treasure it while you can.

I steeled myself for the next response. I knew it was going to be one of the Zen life lessons. [...] Instead he kissed me.