The first thing I did when I woke up this morning was to call Tommy. He told me he didn't have a lot of time to talk at work, but that he'd call me when he got home. He didn't sound distant or angry or anything, just a little busy, so I'm operating under the assumption that everything is honky dory between us. Sometimes I can get so carried away in my own head.

It's like everything is great when we're together—perfect even—but the second Tom leaves my side, my brain immediately goes to work concocting worst-case scenarios. I think it'd be nice if he would put a ring on my finger in order to solidify our relationship. It's not like we'd have to get married right away or anything. I'd want a year or two to plan the perfect wedding anyway. But just having a ring would help me to relax a little. Then I wouldn't feel the need to second guess everything between the two of us.

I really hate to have to admit this, but this is one reason I'm feeling a little green over Livia's ring right now. Not just because she's got some fancy new piece of jewelry to flaunt all over the place, but because an engagement ring shows the world that you truly belong to somebody. All that rock on her finger will show me, however, is that I'll have a constant reminder that she's getting married and I'm not. I can't believe she'll have a husband before me. She's a year younger than I am!

But, because I'm a good friend, I would never say anything about any of that to her. I'm glad she's happy, really. She gets to be the bride, but at least I'll get to be a bridesmaid. Her wedding will be good practice for my storybook ending someday.

I get myself showered, primped, dressed, and leave the house. I'd decided to take a ride over to the BMW dealership and sit down with the sales agent about my new wheels. I had come in last month for the first time about this car, but about a million times since to add more options.

The last time I was here, I had Matty rework the price to include a new, state-of-the-art CD changer.

"So, Matty... Did you come up with a new number for me?"

I always make sure to look my best whenever I come down here. It may help the bottom line to employ some of my well-honed flirting skills.

Matty is no slouch in this department, either. "That depends, Ms. Benedict. Did you finally decide to make a purchase with us today? I have this exact Z3 out on the lot as we speak. All I'd need to do is have the guys in the shop make a few minor modifications and install that CD changer..."

I look at Matty out of the corner of my eye, pausing for just the slightest moment. The fact of the matter is that I had already made my decision when I woke up this morning. But it's been fun the past month playing cat-and-mouse with such a worthy opponent, and it kind of sucks that the time has come for our game to end. I decide I don't even care what final number has been written down on the worksheet inside my folder, laying on the table between Matty and me. I just want that damned car.

"You know what, Matty? Today's the day. Write it up with the trade-in on my Lexus and take care of all those little extras we discussed. I'll meet you back here in...?"

"How does five o'clock sound?"

I thrust my hand out across the table and Matty shakes it. "Five o'clock sounds perfect."

I strut out of the showroom and put my sunglasses on as I step out into the early afternoon sun.

It sure is a beautiful day.