Callen didn't seem to be pressed for time. So I spent a few extra minutes freshening up a bit before we went out. I considered it time well spent for putting on new eye shadow and a little lipstick. The night was warm, with a light breeze, but I was going to need a sweater later.

The first place we went was an outdoor café called The Tea Cart. He chose that place because they do not use tea bags. All their tea drinks are made from fresh brewed tea leaves and the two we had were delightful.

We sat sipping the piping hot tea and chatted. Callen surprised me with a bit of wisdom. "I make my tea like this all the time. I used to drink tea made with tea bags but could taste the paper." I wondered where a man would have picked up that information. Obviously His mom or grandmother had taken the time to teach him this talent. We talked about the weather, the beaches in the area and how cold the water is in California.

After the tea we then went up to the Burger Bar four blocks up from the beach.

On the way to the restaurant Callen talked about Los Angeles and he made it seem like his home town. I found myself telling him all about Connecticut but mostly about East Hartland where I lived. When we got there he ordered two burgers and we each chose our own toppings. The burgers were a quarter pound of prime beef and the topping bar had a bit of everything. They were absolutely delicious.

Not only was the food delicious but the atmosphere in the restaurant was fun. There was live music and art work hung on the wall for sale. Some of it was very nice. The burger and fries, probably the best I have ever had. We laughed about silly things such as driving in LA. It is confusing at best and people at the beach who were not going in the water. I was having so much fun with Callen that I never felt like we were watched.

After we ate we went to a skee ball arcade down the beach where he won the most horrid kewpie doll for me. The winning of said doll took about an hour and a lot of laughing. It was so ugly it was cute, and I believe I will treasure that doll forever.

We walked and talked and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Venice Beach. The walkways along the beach were lit up and the atmosphere, jovial. We were having such a good time and then I looked at my watch. It was 11:00. When had it gotten so late? I had an early morning the next day, so we walked back to my apartment.

As we entered the lobby Callen's face took on a look of disgust. He looked around the lobby with a pensive thought and then smiled. "This is really a terrible place to live."

I looked about and shrugged "Oh it may be a bit dingy, but it's not too bad."

He smirked and looked about again. "I used to live here so I know how bad it is. I have another place for you to live." He hesitated for a few moments as if he needed to make sure of his thought and then continued. "Come and live with me."

You sure could have knocked me over with a feather. We kept talking and my mind kept reeling. I looked at his face and knew he meant well, but we'd just met that day. I didn't know him and was not looking for a relationship. It had only been six months since I lost Mark. I politely said thank you but, no. The other thing that bothered me was the image of him and Sam watching me as I walked away. What did that mean and what did they want from me? I'm sure that if they'd wanted me to know they'd have told me or will.

He walked me up to my apartment, said good night and left. It was with a heavy heart that I watched him go. I knew that he wouldn't be coming back.