Chapter 51

With the room cleared out, Patricia cracked her eyes open and said, "Steve, you've got to stop pulling those stunts. Almost had me cracking up there."

"But it's the truth, Patty. There's still hope for a laugh or two if you let it."

"I can't go there right now, Steve. Got too much on my plate to start pondering what could be in the future. Distract me, will ya? Tell me what's been keeping you busy. Who's got your attention these days? Any familiar faces from our school days?"

"I'm flying solo, Patty. One-man show over here. Started up a little software gig, hoping to turn it into something bigger down the line. Couldn't stand the corporate shackles at my last job. I'm clocking in crazy hours, day and night, so no time for dating. Every now and then, I'll get a call from someone back from school, and we'll catch up over dinner and drinks. I'm still kickin' it in an ap