"And it's not really easy to think about leaving anymore, but... I need to go back, Luke." No you don't," he responded, but there wasn't much fight in... his words. "But if that's what you're going to do... Look, this is stupid, alright? I shouldn't have brought it up. It's not like you're leaving tomorrow." I'm not even leaving next week," I added."Yeah," Luke replied, nodding. "You still have time." Where are you going?" Eddie asked, sitting at the kitchen table as I headed for the garage. I'd. Almost, that is, because Nora was admittedly sexy enough for a man to want for her own sake.Pouring himself another gin and tonic, trying not to think about the argument that he had with his ex-wife that morning (why did she insist on still giving him guilt trips after their divorce), Gunderson didn't notice Jonathan's presence until he heard a cough covering the word "douchebag."Looking up, sure enough, Gunderson nearly dropped his highball and he certainly spat out some of the drink. Jonathan. I was just thinking about how opposite we are.’ We headed back to the house. The barbeque was breaking up and everyone was saying their goodbyes. I had said goodbye to everyone but Ariel. She pulled me aside and asked me if I would do her a favor. ‘Me, do you a favor? What do you need?’ I asked. ‘Ok, I know this is sudden and I understand if you say no.’ ‘Come-on Ariel, what is it you want?’ She was beautiful, but could she ever talk. ‘I broke up with my boyfriend a couple of weeks ago. I have. .. this... stranger. I'm sure I was glaring at them.Susan either knew or sensed something. Perhaps she assumed it was big brother feeling protective. Anyway, she squeezed my hand and got my attention. When I looked at her, she smiled and scooted closer, and raised her own lips to be kissed. I did, and then I didn't pay any attention to Ronnie and Mindy for a long time.When Susan kissed, she didn't fool around about it. As soon as my lips touched hers, I felt her tongue lick out and slide across.