"We've got shows at a couple of colleges coming up, and then we're headlining at the 9:30 Club." "Really? That's awesome. I was there for a show last ...ear. Which colleges?" He held the elevator door for her. "Maybe I can come." "We have one in D.C., at George Washington, and another at Maryland. But don't you have a road trip coming up?" He studied her as the elevator went to his floor. "Is that a hint I should stay home?" "No, no." She looked up as she stepped off the elevator. "I just thought. “I hope you don’t mind me asking but I’m intrigued to know if you’re wearing stockings,” he said with a smile.Well I’ve encountered many chat up lines over the years but this guy was nothing if not direct! Anyway I answered in the affirmative and asked how he knew.“Oh, I watched you walking across the room and thought there was a definite hint of suspender visible through your skirt. Stockings are far sexier than tights don’t you think?”I told the guy I always wear stockings and didn’t even. “No need to read it. It’s the only option you have, Mr. Crowder,” Marlee said. * Stunned, C.C. walked back to the elevator and descended to his office. A moving crew was packing up his personal belongings. Two security guards escorted his down to his gunmetal grey Mercedes and watched as he exited the parking garage. On his way out, he turned over his security badge. * Back at his apartment, he opened the door to find it empty. A hollow sound greeted him as walked across the floor. One. At thirty-three, I’d just been promoted to full partner and celebrated by buying a brand new bright yellow Mustang convertible. I moved to a new apartment in a trendy part of town where I could hold huge parties for young, equally trendy people. There was just one thing missing in my life, and I went hunting for a beautiful, young, and trendy girlfriend. Hope springs eternal.Hope was her name.We met at the top of Mt. Si on a Saturday afternoon, looking across the lowlands toward Puget Sound. We.