The sun set while we finished our meal, and after we were both full and tired. I was grateful to walk slowly back to the car. Neither of us wanted to revisit the parent scenario just yet.
A warm breeze riffled the trees and the crickets began their serenade. The tourists had gone and the Santa Fe streets featured very old adobe homes lining the narrow street. A warm glow emanated from the little windows, and the hum of the swamp coolers accompanied the crickets.
Nicole put her hand through my arm and interlaced her soft fingers with mine. It felt right and very comfortable. “This was lovely, but you didn’t have to pay.”
“I wanted to,” I said.
“Thank you.”
I leaned over to unlock the passenger door, and she moved a little closer so when I straightened up she was inches from me, her han
