For Better, Or For Worse...

We exchange pleasant smiles. I can't help feeling a little bit awkward. Actually, I kind of like her. She's everything I am not, yet we are, in fact, not that different. About the same height. About the same weight. About the same build. Almost the same hair color, but different hue. I am here at the deli for a quick sandwich. She's shopping for lunch, dinner, and breakfast. Yeah, I heard she's an amazing cook. But I know how to bake chocolate chip cookies out of frozen dough. I also heard that she has tamed the beast in Joe. Once again my eyes fall on her wedding ring. It looks perfect on her slender hand. Sweet, gentle Emily, the current and hopefully the only Mrs. Joe Morelli.

"Ciao, Stephanie."

Her smile is warm and really cute. I give her a little finger wave and pay for the sandwich, trying hard not to think of all those unnecessary silly questions. I am glad she's happy. I am glad Joe's happy. Of course I am aware people are watching. Sometimes this city feels like a circus. Everybody is holding their breath in case the juggler drops something and the acrobat falls from the swing. Maybe it's time to plan a trip to Vegas. We can go to one of the Cirque du Soleil Shows, try our luck in the casino, and watch sunrise in the desert...I drop my lunch and grab my phone. Ranger answers after one ring.

"Has your problem with the state of Nevada gone away?" My tone is light. My heart skips a beat. Am I sending the wrong message? My eye starts to twitch.

"Babe,"