Five hours later, the three guys met up with Sam and his friend at their favorite bar. Engrossed in a game of pool, the girl didn’t notice them as they walked behind her and greeted Sam exuberantly. Sam just nodded as they turned to stare slack-jawed at his companion and then back to him.

He immensely enjoyed performing the introductions, observing the spark in her green eyes as she held each one of their hands a moment longer than was necessary. A stray curl had escaped the hair clasp that held the top of her long hair back from her small face, and it danced near her mouth as she had an animated discussion with Scott.