The Professor favored dark woods, influenced by English country manors he had visited, and very little carpeting ‘except for the bedrooms or in some...cases the parlor’. Hudson also considered trying to find a nook in which he could put up a mini-bar. That was the perfect topping in his bachelor’s apartment. He prayed that it would not be long before he would find a girlfriend and they would be able to share drinks in his place. If not a girlfriend, then male friends. He wondered if finding both. Afraid I have once again gone too far. I lean in slowly as you look me up and down. I slide into the booth next to you despite your evident disdain. I sit quietly for a moment. Then, out of nowhere, you grab me by the neck and squeeze my throat. A small gasp escapes from my mouth. I freeze, afraid someone, a stranger, will see and know our secret. "What is wrong with you?" You spit the words like venom. Tears spring to my eyes and I look away, knowing that I broke our rules. Your grip loosens. I now realize that these lessons were taught to me for a reason. And she is standing in front of me in all of her magnificence. I put my arms around her and squeeze. It feels so good just to be in her arms. My worries simply wash away. She runs her arms up and down my back. I kiss her on the forehead and smell the perfume from her shampoo in her golden hair. How long did we hug? Who knows? Time no longer has meaning here. We have rules and regulations governing our relationship. They are now on. He didn't take advantage ofthe happy feelings around a reunion, like he wanted. He couldn'tcasually drop it into the "how was your weekend?" discussion, like Tinaadvised. In fact, he just realized, Connie never once asked him abouthis weekend. She was too busy talking about hers.He would have to find another time. Soon.Build up to the EventCharlie didn't find an easy time to raise the charity event the followingweek either. When Friday evening rolled around, Connie was working.