Their feet hit the timing mat at the same instant. ‘That’s your brother?’ I nodded and she said, ‘No shit, a tie.’ We waited for them to ge... through the finisher’s line and grab some post-race goodies. They were talking together and laughing when Cheryl saw us and headed in our direction. Paul saw me and waved. As they ambled up, Cheryl asked, ‘How did you two connect? Paul and I didn’t know each other five minutes ago.’ The arm was around my waist. ‘He doesn’t know my name but he’s already. Her name was Hanna and I had a lot of late nights preparing presentations, but for once I actually got her to help me out planning a presentation one late night around 8:00. “Well I wanna say thank you for staying here late tonight to help me plan this,” I said. “Don't worry about it Jim. I really don't have anyone to go back to, so why not?” Hanna asked. “Oh I'm sorry to hear that,” I replied. “Don't worry about it, shit happens right?” Hanna asked. “I guess so, let's get this done, I'm sure. Isn’t it?” “I think it is. Have you lost your passion? Remember, all those things we wanted?” “Hmm,” she hummed. “Well, right now, I’m quite satisfied. It was a lovely fuck. But, in a little while? Well, we’ll see.” “I think,” he said, grasping her breasts lightly and running his thumbs across her nipples, “That it will not take that long.” “Devin?” Elizabeth’s voice was a soft interrogative in the darkened room. “Yes?” “You’re awake?” “I am.” “We need to talk.” “If you like. What’s on your. "Let's go sit on the bleachers. We need to have a little chat."The sun felt pleasantly warm, it was too early in the day for a breeze. As we walked towards the bleachers, Marla took off her jacket and twirled it over her shoulder."You like the 'Niners?"She gave me a 'Duh' look."Where do you live?" The Avenues. Do you live around here?" she said, looking directly at me for the first time in a while."Yup." I gestured up the hill with my chin."Nice. It's warm in this part of The City. I like the.