“There’s a bus stop just outside the building,â€? Joe piped up. “Or I could drive her -.â€?

“Relax,â€? Adam said softly. “She’s just broke up with a guy who never really deserved her to begin with.â€?

Kate smiled gently at Adam. “You’re not the worst -.â€?

“Just far from the best,â€? he finished. “We keep our jokes?â€? She nodded. “Good.â€? He cleared his throat. “If you don’t visit my mom, she’s gonna be pissed – at me.â€?

“I’ll visit. Girl Scout’s honor.â€? Joe blanked out for a minute, picturing her in a Girl Scout uniform.

“’Bye, Kate,â€? Adam whispered, planting a kiss on the top of her forehead.

“’Bye.â€?

“That complex on Maple has another opening,â€? Joe held out his card. Yes, this makes me feel slimy, but I will recover. This too shall pass.

“I’ll think about it.â€? Adam shut the door behind him.

“I can’t believe he took your card.â€?

“Kind of surprised I gave it to him,â€? Joe shrugged, “But, you know, when he’s not making my job miserable, he seems like a pretty reasonable guy.â€?