"Are you stalking me?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing." I wasn't, but it sounded good to say.

Looking around, Quincy announced. "It's nice here."

"And you gleaned that from the front gate to this spot because I've never seen your face at this flea market before."

"True, but I own this piece of property, and my assistant has been trying to get me to stop by forever."

I raised a brow like The Rock, then asked, "And you suddenly had the urge to honor that request today because?"

Quincy averted his gaze, chuckled, slid his fingertips into the pockets of his jeans, shifted his weight for a few seconds, then revealed, "Okay, you got me. We're planning an expansion of the market, and there's cameras all over this place. After dinner last night, I went back to the office and noticed you and your friend," he smiled in Marley's direction, "were in all of the footage. So, I also knew I would have a one hundred percent chance of seeing you here today."

"And you don't think that's stalking."

"What I think is that it's ingenious and has given me the very opportunity I'm appreciating now."

I was flattered, but still not sure if Quincy was strange or simply, nice. "Hmm, I see. Where else do you have cameras around town, so I can be sure to avoid being in your 'footage'."

"Why would I tell you and ruin the chance of seeing your beautiful face again."

"You have my number. A simple call could offer the same opportunity in a much less than a Netflix, You kind of way."

"So, when I call, you're going to say yes."

"To a date?"

"And to allowing me to get to know the Dana shrouded beneath that emotional cloak."

"You believe I'm different from what you see in front of you."

He smiled, then replied. "I know it."

Marley snuck up behind me. "Hi, I'm Marley."

He kept his eyes on me, while politely replying, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Marley."

Her tone remained giddy as she added, "My father speaks highly of you."

Deciding to glance in her direction, he asked, "Is that right?"

"Yes, Garry Thomas. He and my mother own-"

"Thomas and Associates." Quincy interjected.

I'm sure Marley peed herself.

"I'm quite fond of your parents. They're amazing engineers, even better people, and the firm did an astounding job on my Wally project."

Marley asked. "That was for you? My project manager and I completed that account."

Quincy's eyes seemed to dance. "Well, I'm thoroughly impressed. Your work saved that non profit thousands. Are you that proficient with every task that crosses your desk?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am, and I would have worked even harder if I would have known it was for you."

Quincy's cheeks turned a slight tinge of rose.

"No, not like that." Marley glanced at me as she quickly cleaned up her words. "I meant, he and I had no idea the Wally organization was linked to you."

"And now, you and Dana are twice as many people who knew before this conversation."

Marley asked. "With the power of your name, why would you keep it from helping your own organization?"

"Wally isn't about me. It's about the millions of people it serves everyday. Those who give, do so because they feel compelled. It's the kindness of their hearts, not the chance of getting next to me that has helped the organization grow." He returned his attention to me, then stated, "And I appreciate connecting with people because it feels... right, you know?"

Marley hung onto Quincy's every word while I tried to dodge the feels they gave me as he smiled in my direction.

"So, Marley. As I was sharing with Dana, I'm planning an expansion of the market and could use an engineer with your talent on the team."

"I would be honored, but my parents..."

"Oh, I would never ask you to undermine your parents. I have a meeting with them next week and would like to request you as project manager for this expansion."

"Really?"

"An engineer who can deliver your caliber of work shouldn't be under someone else, but I believe you already know that."

This time, Marley blushed. "Wow. I would be honored, thank you, Mr. Winters."

"Please, call me Quincy."

His group stood by and waved him back in their direction when he peered around the grounds. "I have to go." Smiling at me, he declared. "Duty calls, and I will call you later."

As he strolled away, Marley nudged my arm. "I told you. Quincy Winters is the actual shit."

I replied snidely. "Well, he may have just given you a way to save your marriage, so he gets a point for that."

"And how many for being fine as hell?"

"Enough for me to consider a date."

Marley smacked my forehead as she covered it with her palm. "Are you sick? Consider a date? That man could get every woman here to drop her panties, and you are considering a date with him?"

"I'm not really interested in getting to know someone else, Marley."

"I know you're dealing with a lot, and Mike's passing still feels raw, but honey, life is continuing, and you're a part of it. Trust me, it's not going to pass you by."

Sulking, I responded. "It doesn't feel raw. It is."

"And this is your chance to begin some real healing. Why not take it?"

"Where was all this wisdom when your coochie was getting the sax treatment."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really, and why are you so keen for me to move on?"

"Because I love you, idiot. And I know you're not meant to be alone. None of us are."

"If Daniel died while making love you, how long would you be fucked up about it?"

She swiftly raised and dropped her shoulders as she muttered. "That depends on what day of the week you ask."

"Well it's Saturday, now answer the question."

"Shit, then I'd give his ass six more months of my energy, then call it a day."

"Just like that."

"Dana, we're best friends because we're such opposites. Daniel means the world to me, but I can't see the memory of what we shared before he died holding me back from living. And regardless of that stupid shit I pulled with Bry...SON,  I love my husband, while also appreciating the ability to enjoy the little time I have here too."

"Yeah, we're different. It's just not that easy for me."

When my phone vibrated, the screen illuminated with the listing, Serial Killer Vibe. With an attitude, I answered. "You said you would call me later. You've only been gone a few minutes."

Quincy laughed. "Then this is later, right?"

The giggle that escaped betrayed me. I cleared my throat, then asked. "How can I help you?"

"It would be a tremendous help if you would join me for dinner."

"Tonight?"

"Yes, unless you have other plans."

"She doesn't!" Marley's coffee breath annoyed me. I pushed her head away from my phone, then walked a few feet away.

"I don't know, Quincy."

"What are you unsure about?"

"You, this..."

"A date?"

"Yes, and a date."

"What if I promise not to propose nor take you to meet my parents, and to just have a nice conversation with you like we did on our first date."

I chuckled, then replied. "That wasn't a date."

He chuckled in return, then shot back "Not to you, but I get it. So, how about this. Would you please join me for another plate of food."

I turned to see Marley inching towards me, mouthing, "Bitch, you better say yes" while making stabbing motions with her left hand.

"Fine." I relented, then stuck out my tongue at my best friend.

"Great, send me your address. I'll pick you up at seven."

"And where are we going?"

"To eat, now put your tongue back in your mouth, and enjoy the rest of your day." He ended the call.

My eyes widened, as I shifted my gaze around the flea market grounds. Quincy and his crew were in a booth near the clearing where I stood. He laughed, shook his head, then returned to his conversation.

"So." Marley shimmied up to me. "Where is he taking you?"

"I have no clue. He just said he's picking me up at seven, and I don't like it."

"You don't like not being in control."

"Maybe."

"No, facts." Marley teased. "Quincy Winters is time and a half for you, and you can't handle it."

"I can. I'm just not sure if I want to."

"Well, enjoy him while you make up your mind, and do me a favor in the process?"

"What?"

"Take Mike's pictures down before your date gets there."

"Why?"

Marley pulled me towards the flea market booths as she announced, "Because your house isn't a shrine and with a man like Quincy Winters trying to be in your life, it's time for you to close that chapter of your life, forever."