James looked hesitantly back at me and then to Max again, thinking about what to say. "No…you must have me mistaken with somebody else."

"Hmm…that's funny, 'cause I'm pretty damn sure I've metcha before."

"Sorry, but it's been fun," he told her, rising to his feet and shrugging his jacket on. He smiled slightly, humoring her. "We'll blame it on reincarnation."

Max laughed. "Right."

James turned to me as we walked to the door together so he could leave. "Do you want to meet up for coffee or something tomorrow? To be honest with you, this place makes me feel like some horny old guy looking for a prostitute," he admitted.

"Yeah, well I feel like that prostitute sometimes. But, coffee would be great. It'll give me a chance to get out of the house. What time?"

"I can pick you up on my lunch break."

"Sure, where do you work?"

"At this little place that deals with architecture downtown." He shrugged. "It's not a whole lot of money, but it lets me keep the apartment without living with my dad."

"Doesn't sound that bad."

"It's not. So, I'll pick you up about one-ish?"

"Sounds good," I told him, right before telling him which apartment I was at.

"I know where that's at."

"See you tomorrow, then?"

"Yep," he answered and disappeared out into the night. I watched him walk across the road and get into his car before heading back to Max.

She had already ordered herself a beer and was drinking it like there was no tomorrow.

"Calm down, girl!" I cried with mock horror. "What? Did you just get out of AA or something?"

Max laughed and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, which caused me to roll my eyes. The girl did not have any manners. But, on the other hand, we weren't exactly with jolly old Queen Elizabeth sipping tea. "No. I am just so thirsty!"

"So you order a beer?" I shook my head. "Not smart, girl."

"You're the designated driver."

"Really?" I asked, raising in eyebrow. "When did this come about?"

"Since I just downed an alcoholic beverage." She raised her glass to the bartender, who took it casually. "Another one, please."

"You're deranged."

"Thanks," she replied, taking the drink from the bartender and chugging some more down.

"Anytime." I paused, watching her drink. "So, what's up with James and you?"

"James?"

"The guy that was just here." Good Lord, the alcohol was affecting her already.

"Oh, him. I just thought I knew him. Y'know? Like when you see somebody and you're like, 'hey, I know you!' But you really don't?"

"Oh."

"Why? What'd you think?"

"I thought he was like your old boyfriend or something."

"Is he yours?"

"What? My boyfriend?"

"No Alanza, your dad. Of course, your boyfriend." I glanced back to the door where James had left and felt a smile form on my face.

"I'm not sure…yet."