Some of the best times I've had in my life are unplanned spur of the moment events. [Ah well, he had been out of the game a few years, so honestly this was all a nice time no matter where it went.] I knew a lot of guys like that. Was he nervous, bored or just a massive introvert?

[He might not admit it - and likely neither would she - but this whole random date thing was the highlight after a bleak grind on the train. He thought it would be difficult to recover, but Maria had simply come along and brightened everything again. She reminded him that there were still people worth fighting for.

His smile grew to a big genuine thing that spread his lips, appreciating her candor. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head in a purely friend gesture so as not to make her uncomfortable.[ Well, we have every opportunity. We're both adults, so I expect there's a lot of baggage, which makes this even more fun. [Plenty of personal landmines to step on.] I also want you to know that you can call on me if you need something. Any time. I'll be there.