I was back in my bed when I woke up. I rubbed my eyes and glanced around the concrete room, wondering if last night had been a dream. Joel had been too, too…not Joel like. I shrugged and sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the cot. I looked down at my sneakers and sand was facing up at me from the soles. Okay, so maybe it did happen, but did Benji take Joel’s place? No, Joel smelled and felt like Joel. He even kissed like Joel. I shrugged. A small stream of sunlight came in through the tiny window in the wall and shone upon the dresser. A note was there. I stood and went to it, picking it up and reading:

Hale,
          We’ve gone to Fowl to talk to some guy about the demo. I’ll call you later.

Joel

          I folded the note and put it into my back pocket. I meandered upstairs and rummaged through the cabinets, finding only a package of Tang. “It’s a kick in a glass,” I muttered as I mixed the beverage. I sipped it and went outside, taking in the Monday morning. The streets were calm and the sun shone down brightly. I leaned against a support post on the porch and watched the neighborhood. A few parents were still putting small children on busses and those who had overslept were cautiously racing towards the city to face their jobs. I saw a man pick up the Gazette from his doorstep. Staring into my half-empty glass, I wondered if I should head in to talk to Bill about the scholarship and internship. I argued mentally for a while before deciding that seemed like a decent idea. I polished off my glass in record time, backtracking into the house. Going downstairs, I changed my clothes and pulled on my sneakers. I left the Combs a note on the kitchen table about where I would be and the number if they needed me. I found a random hoodie that looked like Joel’s lying on a chair. I sniffed it to make sure it was his and found it was actually Benji’s. “He won’t give a damn,” I announced, pulling it over my head. I left the house, shutting and locking the door behind me, and began walking downtown.

          I waved hello to Emma, who was busy on the phone, and rode the shiny metallic elevator up to Bill Reilly’s office. As soon as the doors opened, I saw a balding man in a sweatsuit waving the sports section of a newspaper around and shouting frantically into his cell phone. I arched a brow and stepped off the elevator, moving towards him with caution. He turned towards me, his eyes cast downward. He was middle-aged, with a prominent potbelly and tacky gold jewelry. To his left, a reserved college-aged student sat against the wall, reading The Odyssey. He had sandy blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes hidden behind tortoise-shell glasses. I smiled at him as I passed towards Shirley. He didn’t move. I leaned against her desk, waiting for her to finish her telephone conversation. The young man licked his thumb and turned the page with such a sophisticated air. He was clad in a light blue sweater, khaki pants, and loafers, with a light brown suede jacket. He was handsome. He looked up and smiled at me politely before returning to his reading. I felt a tap on my arm and I looked hesitantly at the receptionist. “Bill’s swamped today. I can try to squeeze you in, if you want.” I shook my head and thanked her softly. She nodded and flipped through the appointment book as a last resort. “He’s got a three o’clock and…” I was watching the young man again. He was handsome. Very, very, very handsome. I let out a small breath as he turned the page yet again. “Name’s Todd Anderson. He’s a hotshot freelancer from New York,” she whispered in my ear. I turned back to her and she winked knowingly. She whispered again, “Only twenty-one. He’s pretty good. Got an interview with Bill today, as a matter of fact. This other clown is trying to be the new sports guy. He’s been here every day this week, trying to harass Bill. It’s insane.” I nodded again and thanked her once more. I waved goodbye to her and headed back down the hallway to the elevator. I pressed the button and waited patiently. A few moments passed before it came. I stepped into it and a voice shouted, “Hang on!” I pressed the “door open” button and Todd came running down the hall. He skidded into the elevator and his hair rumpled slightly. I smiled at him and let go of the button. I watched him idly as he fixed himself and tucked his book into his messenger bag.
          “Thanks for waiting,” he said softly as he cleaned his glasses with a soft cloth. I nodded and leaned against the walls. The ride down seemed slower than usual. He cleared his throat nervously and put his glasses back on. “Do you attend college?” I opened my mouth to answer, but shut it and smiled, shaking my head no. “Ahh. I see.”
          “You?” I asked timidly, shoving my hands in my pockets and blushing.
          “Yes, actually. I’m attending Hofstra University for journalism. I’m also a freelance journalist with an internship at the New York Post.”
          “That must be incredible,” I replied, in complete awe. Emma confessed once that to work at the Post was to work with the best.
          “It’s decent enough. Nothing special.” The elevator dinged again and the doors opened. He stepped off and I followed. “My name is Todd Anderson.” He held out his hand. I shook it. His grip was firm.
          “Haley Matthews.”
          “You’re that girl with the column then?” I nodded and blushed. He grinned and mused, “You write well.”
          “Thank you,” I whispered hoarsely, grinning like an idiot.
          “Would you, um, like to have lunch with me? Mr. Reilly can’t fit me in until at least two and I’m relatively new around here.” I gaped at him and quickly accepted. I went to Emma and she hung up the phones, sighing slightly.
          “Emma, can you do me a big favor?” She nodded and smiled. “If anyone calls looking for me named Joel, Benji, or Robyn, please tell them I’ve gone to lunch and I won’t be back for quite some time?”
          “Sure thing, kiddo.” She winked at me and wrote the message down. Todd was waiting patiently by the doors when I turned around. I went to him and he opened the door for me. I whispered thanks, blushing again. We walked down the street a little ways to a small club.
          “Ever been here?” he questioned, again opening the door for me. I went in and looked around. It was quite casual, definitely not the type of place you’d ever catch the guys or I at.
          “No,” I murmured, glancing around. It was very chic, very modern. “This is a nice place, Todd. Are you sure you want to eat here?”
          “I’m on the Post’s money,” he confessed, smiling a little. I smiled back and a waitress led us to a booth near the back. He hung up his jacket on a nearby coat rack and slid into the bench across from me. “Order anything you’d like. The Post has enough money to buy us everything on the menu and not even worry about it.” I nodded and flipped through the menu, staring at the fancy names.
          “Uh…Todd, what’s…fill-et mig-non?” I asked, arching a brow.
          He chuckled. “Filet mignon, Miss Matthews. It’s beef.” I nodded and finally found the one thing I could pronounce: cheeseburger. The waitress came by and asked for our drink orders. “I’ll have…a Cape Codder. For the lady…” He turned to me, his bright eyes sparkling.
          “A Coke,” I said meekly. She scurried away and I examined the space. It was definitely business by day and twenty-five and up at night. I imagined the older singles of the Waldorf-Naptown area dancing to the Spice Girls or some other horrendous pop group. I looked back at Todd, who was watching me intently. “What?” I demanded, dissolving into giggles.
          “You’re a very beautiful woman, if you don’t mind me saying so.” I blinked and stared at him. “I’m usually never this forward, especially after just having met someone, but something about you makes me feel like it’s okay.” I shrugged and smiled nervously. The waitress came back with the drinks and took our orders. She hurried off again. I rested my covered arms on the table and Todd placed his hands on mine. “Miss Matthews…” he began.
          “Call me Haley, please. You’re reminding me of my teachers.” He nodded and apologized profusely.
          “I’ve read some of your articles. You’ve got a great talent there. How did you come into writing?”
          “My home life isn’t what you’d call…well, homey. My father’s a drunkard and my mother works about three jobs to pay for everything. I’m currently living with my fri—“ I paused and smiled. “I’m living with my boyfriend and his family. At least until I can find a cheap apartment someplace, or go to college.”
          “Ahh, college. Chosen anywhere yet?” I shook my head. “Hofstra has a wonderful journalism department. There are other East Coast schools with outstanding journalism programs that you’d fit into very well.”
          “I’ve got the brains for college, but not the money,” I ceded, biting my lip and looking away.
          “I understand. College is never affordable for anyone. But luckily, our economy is on the rise, so..." I nodded, listening to him drone on about politics. I murmured unintelligibly for quite some time until the food came. We ate in silence for a few minutes.
          “Thanks for lunch,” I said about halfway through our meal. “It was very kind of you.”
          “Well…what can I say? You’re a very interesting person.” I blushed and thanked him. We finished the rest of our meal with light conversation. He checked his watch once the check was taken care of. “I’d love to stay here with you, but it’s ten of two.” We got up and left the club. He took my hand once outside and kissed it. “I’ll see you around, Haley,” he said, walking off. I stared after him. I could get used to this New York treatment. I headed towards the park, not wanting to spoil the good vibe of today by heading back to the Combs’.

          I fed the ducks, watched mothers stroll with babies in carriages, and walked the entire length of the park about five times. I was admiring the flowers when I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist. I instantly stiffened, but a gentle kiss on my neck alerted me that it was Joel. “Hey baby,” he said softly.
          “Hi Joely,” I replied, melting into him. “How was the meeting with Fowl?”
          He retold the story of the meeting and how they had set up a time for next week: one day after school until whenever they got done, which had to be before midnight. “How was your day?”
          “Oh…fine. I went to see my boss, but he was swamped. So I went to lunch with…” I trailed off and blinked. I couldn’t tell Joel about Todd, yet anyway.
          “With who?”
          “With his receptionist,” I lied, internally kicking myself.
          “Where’d you go?”
          “Mickey D’s.” That was the second lie I had ever told Joel. Two lies to the one person I trusted most, all in the same day, too. How was I ever going to get forgiveness?
          “Sounds like fun.”
          “Mmm.” He took my hand and we walked down the path a ways, just chatting. Someone was hollering behind us and I ignored it, until they came flying passed us. “Who was that?” I asked.
          “Benj. He took Paul’s bike and decided he wanted to be Evel Knievel today.” I giggled and he circled back to us.
          “Sup, Hale?” he asked, grinning his elfish grin.
          “Nothing,” I replied, smirking. “Nice ride.”
          “Thanks! Hey, watch this!” He cleared his throat. “I am Evel Knievel! I will now jump the Grand Canyon on my motorcycle!” He began speeding towards a curve in the path, where a tree root had disrupted the asphalt. He jumped over it. I clapped and chuckled. He turned around, hoisting his fists in the air in triumph. Then, he crashed into a bush.
          “Way to go, retard!” Joel yelled, laughing hysterically. We got to him finally and he removed himself from the shrubbery.
          “I meant to do that,” he said through several bleeding cuts and sprigs coming out of his clothes and hair.
          “Sure, sure,” I said soothingly. “Let’s get you home, Evel.” He walked the bike beside me. Joel put his arm around my shoulders and I snuggled into him. We all walked home, the sun fading slowly behind us.

          I hummed along to the song on the radio, some “MMMBop” song by a random group of…well, I wasn’t sure if it was a guy with a high-pitched voice or a girl with a low, sultry voice. I watched as they set up their stuff in the small studio. The past few days had flown by. I spent the majority of it within Joel’s immediate company. Benji, of course, was with Liz and the two accompanied us on our excursions occasionally. They seemed to be as happy as ever, and that was good enough for me. Without anyone in the Combs household, it left Joel and I plenty of alone time, most of it spent making out on the couch. We did have our serious conversations and our silly ones. What else do you expect best friends to do? I yawned a bit as Billy and Aaron tried to set up the drum set. Paul meandered in with a box of Cheez-Its. He had crumbs on his face, hands, and shirt. “What the Hell is this?” he asked, nodding to the radio.
          I shrugged and replied, “Some song by either a girlie guy or a manly girl.”
          “If it’s a chick, I hope they’re hot.” I laughed and he wandered back out. Benji came in, looking very stressed.
          “Turn that shit off!” he shouted. I shut the radio off during the nonsense chorus and watched him pace the floor in silence. “I can’t stand this, Hales. I just can’t stand it.” I opened my mouth to ask what and he answered: “I hate this fucking band!”
          “No you don’t.”
          “Yes I do! I’m sick of Joel being a bossy fuck, I’m sick of Paul eating all the damn time and crunching in my ear, I’m sick of Billy acting immature, I’m sick of Aaron acting like he’s the world’s greatest drummer. I’m sick of everyone!” He paused and brooded, crossing his arms over his chest. I let him fume as I resumed watching the rest of the band set up. Joel poked his head in and his twin tossed him a death stare.
          “When you’re done pouting, Benjamin, we’re gonna jam a little first, then record.” I glared at him and he shrugged. He mouthed, “Couldn’t help it,” and left.
          “Benji, go get ready,” I said patiently, looking at him with docile eyes. He huffed and puffed for a bit longer, but finally walked into the studio with his tail between his legs. “That’s right,” I murmured. “Listen to the womanly voice of reason.” The producer, Gabriel, came in with some sound guy whose name I didn’t catch. “Hey guys.”
          “Hey there Haley,” Gabe said, smiling a bit. “Mind if we cut in?” I shook my head and got out of the office chair reserved for Mr. Sound Guy. I parked myself on a couch behind him. He pressed a little black button underneath the window and spoke into a microphone. “Ready to record?”
          “Uh...we were gonna jam first,” Joel said tentatively. “Just to get warmed up.”
          “Fine with me. Let us know when you’re ready.” Joel gave him two thumbs up and they kicked into gear, after a count off from Aaron. They began to fool around with “My Heart Will Go On” and I smirked. Ahh, a fan favorite. The song ended as quickly as it began and Joel announced their readiness. “All right. We’re gonna just lay it all down. We’ll take it all, play it back in your headsets, and we’ll go from there, all right?” They affirmed. “Joel, sing right into that mic. It’s okay to, like, make out with it,” Gabe said with a chuckle. “Don’t worry about your volume, everyone. The mic will pick it all up and we’ll manipulate it later on.” Again, they affirmed. “Ready?” A chorus of positive remarks came back. “Okay, we’re set. Ready when you are.” He switched off the mic and turned on the recording device. I held my breath in anticipation.
          Aaron counted off and I moved to the edge of my seat, my eyes locked on Joel. They launched into a new song, “Acquiesce”, and once the approximate three or four minutes were over, they stopped and Mr. Sound Man took over. The guys took a short break. I watched as they relaxed, talking softly amongst them. Benji leaned against an amp, glaring at the other four. What a baby. Joel took a swig of water from a nearby water bottle, swallowing hard. He let out a small sigh and smiled towards the booth, waving a little to me. I waved back, smiling. He blew a kiss and I grinned. My heart melted into a puddle and I fell back onto the couch. The sound dude said something in what sounded like gibberish to Gabriel and he nodded. “Want a listen?” the man asked me.
          “Sure,” I replied, shrugging. He played back the reel and I gasped at the awesome quality. The song ended and I grinned. “That was so good.”
          “Right-o. Let’s let them listen.” Gabe pressed the black button again. “Find some headsets, guys. Haley says it rocks.” He chuckled and I blushed. They all scrambled for a pair of headphones and put them on. “Here it comes.” The sound guy played the reel back for them and I watched their reactions. Joel was mouthing the words while Bill, Aaron, and Paul drummed on some part of their body. Benji, of course, furrowed his brow and shut his eyes, listening intently. It wouldn’t be a good take for him if he didn’t get every riff just right. The song ended and they took the sets off. “How was it?”
          “Really good, Gabe,” Aaron said, giving him two thumbs up.
          “Alright. Anyone have anything to add or change?” Gabriel asked, drumming his fingers on the mixing board. No one answered. “Groovy. Let’s take at least two more tracks before we call it a day.” They agreed and I lounged on the couch, picking up an old issue of Sports Illustrated from the side table to read.

          The moon shone brightly over the area. The city lights in the distance glimmered, but mostly all the houses on the street were dark. In only a few short hours, the sun would be up and people would break their dormant states. I inhaled deeply, smiling. I snuggled closer to Joel, pulling the blanket tighter around us. His window opened onto the roof, giving us our own special spot to be alone. He kissed my forehead and murmured some sweet nothing. I laid my head on his chest and exhaled softly. “I wonder how many stars there are.”
          “The world may never know,” he replied gently, tangling his fingers in my hair. We were silent for a few minutes. I drowned in my thoughts, reflecting on the day. Once the recording was done, sometime around ten, we all went home. They tracked “Can’t Go On” a few times before things were decent, and worked hard on “Little Things.” They had begun to fatigue and Joel’s voice was beginning to go. Luckily, they made it through alive. Benji was sleeping over Paul’s, leaving Joel and I alone. A car passed and the headlights sucked me back into the present. “Hales?”
          “Hm?” I looked up at him.
          “I love you.”
          “I love you, too, baby.” He smiled and nudged me up. He stood and held out his hands. I took them, giving him a quizzical look while standing. He led me back inside. “Joel, what are—“ He put a finger to my lips and shook his head. He leaned down and kissed my lips gently. I kissed back, wrapping my arms around his neck. He directed me towards his bed, laying me back carefully. I broke the kiss and slid back, adjusting so my head was resting on the pillow. He crawled over me and sat back on his heels, rubbing my upper thighs. I smiled brightly at him and he grinned.
          “You’re really beautiful,” he said wistfully. I blushed madly. “No, really. On graduation, when we were looking in the mirror, you were so gorgeous, even in jeans and a T-shirt. And just now on the roof, you looked like a goddess or something. The way the moonlight reflected off your skin and hair, the way the stars sparkled in your eyes…” He paused and took my hands. “And now. Just laying there, you look incredible.” He kissed my lips briefly yet gently and then the backs of my hands. “You look like I imagine you would when we’re married.”
          “Oh Joel…” I pulled him to me in a tight hug. He kissed my neck and then nuzzled it. “Do you really think we’ll be married one day?”
          “Definitely.” I grinned and he pulled back, taking off his shirt. I blinked, my smile turning into a slight frown. “Haley, don’t tell me you can’t feel this, too…”
          “No, I do. Very much so. It’s just…I don’t want things to get ‘weird’, you know?” He nodded. “Promise me things won’t go to Hell.”
          “They won’t. I won’t let them. I love you too much to let you go, baby.” And with that, our clothes were removed. I blushed under his intent gaze. “God…why are you so beautiful?”
          “Joel, no. I’m not. I’m just average…just me.”
          “No, you’re more than that, baby.” A tear leaked from my eye and he wiped it away. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”
          “I do. Now is the right time, I know it.” He nodded and reached into the bedside table’s drawer. He pulled out a single condom. “Good, I was gonna ask about that.”
          “There’ll be time for babies later.” I giggled and he slid the condom on. “But now, we make love.” He kissed my lips and we started consummating our marriage a few years early.

          The sunlight dripped through the open window, casting its golden rays over the pigsty. I opened my eyes slowly and yawned, wondering where I was. I tried to move, but a strong arm was around my waist. I looked behind me and sure enough, it was Joel. I smiled, brushing back some of his hair. He was still naked above the waist. He had sense enough to put his boxers back on and loaned me a Clash shirt to wear. I turned over in his grasp and watched him sleep for a few minutes. His breathing was rhythmic and shallow. His eyelids flickered with the REM cycle. I smirked, wondering if he knew about any of the scientific qualities he was exhibiting. He did look innocent, a first for the mischievous boy. Well, he wasn't a boy anymore, not after last night anyway. I kissed his pouty lips and one eye opened a bit. “Morning, baby,” I whispered.
          “Hey…” He yawned a little and smiled. “What time is it?” I looked around for a clock and shrugged. “Oh well. Whatever.”
          “Must be afternoon. We did get to sleep late last night.” He grinned and kissed my neck.
          “Yeah, we did.” He pulled me even closer to him, if that was possible. “But it was worth every second of it.”
          “I’m glad we did that. Well, I’m glad I did it with you. I can’t imagine it any other way.”
          “What if I was Benji?” He smiled broadly.
          “You’re not.”
          “How can you tell?”
          “First off, I’m you two’s best friend. I know the two of you inside and out. You have a mole on your left cheek; Benji has one on his right cheek. Oh, and he has more freckles than you…and a big pink splotch on his head. And Benj wouldn’t have said all that about me. He’d have been too horny to even manage such kind words.” He looked impressed.
          “Fair enough.” Joel paused and rubbed my arm. “Besides, I meant I said. You are beautiful.” I blushed deeply and he kissed my nose. I grinned. Just then, a knock came on the door. I blinked at it and Joel grumbled. Benji burst in.
          “Whoa, hey guys…”
          “Hi,” Joel said curtly, lifting up onto one elbow. “Can we help you?”
          “No, but you can sure as Hell try.” He began rummaging through piles of junk on the floor. “Have you two seen my red pants?” I arched a brow. “The cool ones Aunt Sandy got me two Christmases ago?” Joel shook his head.
          “Check the laundry, jackwipe,” Joel growled out. Benji gave him a stunned look and mumbled something about getting all the looks and brains before leaving.
          “Has to ruin every single moment, doesn’t he?” Joel asked angrily, flopping back onto the bed. I rubbed his stomach soothingly. “Hey Haley, I’ve been thinking…”
          “What about?” I asked, looking at him.
          “Us.”
          “And?”
          “Maybe…maybe we should see other people.” I turned pale and gasped for air. “Once someone picks up the demo, I’ll be gone all the time and there’s plenty of other girls I need to experience. I mean, it’s been fun with you, don’t get me wrong, but I think we should start planning for the future.” I stammered for words, my mind and heart racing. We had just broken up, gotten back together, made love…and now he wants to dump me for some possible beach bunny with fake hair and voice and an even faker chest? I turned away, tears streaming down my cheeks. I got out of the bed and put my jeans on. “Please don’t be mad, Haley. It was inevitable.”
          I headed towards the door and stopped. “You just lost the best thing that ever happened to you, Joel Reuben Madden. I hope you’re happy with Trixie McBoob with California or wherever you go. I’m sure she’ll love you really good.” I left the room and slammed the door shut behind me. I heard him call my name, but I ran down the stairs and through the kitchen to my basement abode. I pushed past Benj at the washing machine and to my little area. Grabbing my suitcase, I threw all the clothes in sight into the luggage and snapped the cover onto my typewriter.
          “Where you going? Vegas to elope?” Benji joked, sitting on my bed.
          “No, far, far away from here,” I answered.
          “What for? Lover’s quarrel?”
          “No. Someone grew a big ego overnight because he got some.”
          “No I didn’t…” He looked up innocently at me. “My ego’s where it was yesterday.” I rolled my eyes and headed for the stairs. “Haley!” I climbed them and threw open the basement door. “Haley, don’t! Come on!” I set down my bags and looked over my shoulder at him.
          “Thanks for everything, Benj. It’s been fun.” I opened the door and a cop stood facing me.
          “Officer…can I help you?” I asked politely.
          “Yes, is a Haley Matthews here?”
          “I’m Haley Matthews. Is something wrong?” I arched a brow.
          “You’ve been reported as a runaway. Your mother is very worried about you.” I then noticed the small woman standing next to him. She smiled softly, opening her arms to me. “I see you have your things. Please come with us.”
          “Where…where are we going?” I questioned, biting my lip.
          “Home, honey!” my mother said joyously. I looked at her as if she had three heads. “Don’t you wanna come home and see me and Daddy?”
          “Mother…I am home.” I looked back at Benji, who put a hand on my shoulder.
          “Look, kid, your mom wants you home. I don’t care if you go home in cuffs, on your own free will, or with Spiky here. Just get back to your permanent residential address,” the cop said gruffly.
          “Sir, with all due respect, I’ve changed all my mailing information to this address.”
          “Not at the police station, you didn’t.”
          “Again, sir, with all due respect, I wasn’t aware you had to.”
          “You’re a minor, kid.”
          “I’m eighteen, sir.”
          “Officer, let me talk to her,” my mother announced. He stepped back and she put an arm around me. “Alone.” She stared pointedly at Benj. I nodded and he gave her a dirty look before leaving. “Haley, darling, come home. Your father and I miss you…”
          “Mother, you don’t miss me at all. You just want to boast that your kid was valedictorian. You don’t care about me.”
          “That’s not true…”
          “Come on, Mother. It is. Don’t give me this crap.”
          “Okay, so it is true. But it’s not the same without you.”
          “You didn’t notice I existed before. And that…that…heathen molested me!”
          “…Who did?”
          “Your husband.”
          “...When?”
          “The night I left, Mother.” I sighed and pushed her arm off of me. “I’m not going home.”
          “Then where will you stay?”
          “I don’t know. He—“ I paused and looked at the stairs. A figure moved back into the shadows. Benji, probably, that snoop. I couldn’t stay here anymore. Not if Joel was going to have his sluts come around. “I don’t know. I have a friend I can call.”
          “Excuse me, ladies…have we reached a decision?” The cop looked at us.
          “Yes. I’ll be leaving this residence and going elsewhere,” I said.
          “Fair enough. Misses Matthews, let’s go.” She waved goodbye to me and went down the front steps with the cop to the squad car. I watched them depart before turning back to the inside of the house.
          The entire Combs family, sans Joel, emerged from the den. “Can we convince you to stay?” Mrs. Combs asked, stepping forward. I shook my head no.
          “I’d love to stay here, but…I have to go. It’s just something I need to do.” They all nodded. Sarah hugged Josh, who stroked her hair. I sighed and hugged them all.
          “Can we drive you anywhere?” Josh inquired, picking up one of my suitcases.
          I paused and searched the floor in thought. “Lemme use the phone real quick.” I went to the kitchen and picked up the receiver. I reached into the front pocket of my jacket and took out a small business card. I dialed the number and sucked in a breath as my party answered. “Todd? It’s Haley Matthews. I was wondering if I could meet you somewhere? I need to ask a favor.”