When he awoke late the following morning, Garner was relieved to see Vera’s response to his text. She was available and would meet him at their usual spot.
It was sunny and warm and, as he approached the café, he saw Vera sitting on the front patio wearing bubble gum-pink sunglasses. She had also added a pink tint to her hair. Considering the effect, he decided that it worked. When she saw him, they exchanged waves, and when he had seated himself, he pointed casually to her hair.
“Love the look,” he said.
“You think so?” she asked a bit eagerly. He nodded and gave her the thumb-and-forefinger circle okay sign.
“Thanks,” she said. “And you—you look—refreshed.” But her tone was less than assured, and he smiled inwardly.
The waiter brought Garner’s coffee then, and after adding sugar and
