Part 139 (2/2)

starved.”

”I can spring for a burger. I think,” he added, struggling to remember

just what was in his wallet.

”I'd love a burger. And since you've been a pal, my treat.”

He pulled into a McDonald's, and since he discovered the contents of his

wallet included three singles and the phone number of a redhead he

barely remembered, he put aside what he told himself was dumb macho

pride. Emma didn't argue with his suggestion that they

make it to go, or with his casual a.s.sumption that he would continue in

the driver's seat.

”Thought we'd take it to the beach.”

”I'd like that.” She shut her eyes again and leaned back. She was glad

she'd come. Glad she had climbed those stairs. Glad she was here, with

the warm wind in her hair and Michael beside her. ”It was sleeting in

New York when I left.”

”There are colleges in sunny California, too.”

She smiled, enjoying the breeze on her face. ”I like New York,” she

said absently. ”I always have. My roommate and I bought a loft. It's

nearly livable now.”

”Roommate?”

”Yes. Marianne and I went to Saint Catherine's together.” Since her

eyes were still closed, she didn't notice his look of pleased relief.

”We always swore we'd live in New York one day. Now we do. She's

taking art cla.s.ses.”

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