Sean met Glen Hancock and saw several apartments. Glen was a real estate agent and he was quite helpful, listening to the facts of Sean's life and work to guide him into looking at just the right place.

The place Sean finally decided on was as near to downtown as it could be without really being downtown, not much further from the law offices of Baldwin and Baldwin than it was from the Courthouse. Sean was an associate at that firm and had been so busy he hadn't gotten any better residence than a room over Kelly's.

Sean moved into the new place, but as was typical for him as to personal matters, did not bring anything other than what he'd had at his room at Kelly's. Time was at a premium for him, and he could only get so much non-work related stuff accomplished on any given day.

Finally, one day he had time to go to Wyndham's for a mattress and a bed. Another day, he had a chance to go to Wyndham's to look for a couch. He had a refrigerator, but so far no need for kitchen utensils, until it occurred to him that, having his own home now, he might have a chance to cook for himself once in a while, and might not have to eat at Kelly's. He had eaten enough at Kelly's to be rather familiar with, and tired of, Kelly's meals.

So he went back to Wyndham's again to look for silverware and utensils. By this time, he was starting to be familiar to the staff.

He flirted with the salesgirls as he usually did, since you never know when one of them might need a lawyer. He laughed at their lawyer jokes and flattered them.

"Still looking for your next conquest, I see," said a voice behind him.

Sean recognized the voice instantly. It was Skye Quartermaine, the one woman in his life who had managed to find a way to dump him. Well, you could count Quinn Connor, too. But she might not have dumped him had he not proposed too soon. From that experience, he'd learned not to assume anything. Then it turned out that could be overcorrected too, with Skye. He'd sort of assumed that he could have a little fling with someone else and unfortunately, Skye had caught him and then walked out on him.

Females were strange creatures. A little too little, or a little too much, and you were history.

"Conquest for what?" his eyes took on a serious look. He was amused but decided that with Skye, it was better to play the part of the heartbroken and remorseful former boyfriend.

"For whatever," Skye said. She had a bag with her. She had probably been shopping for clothes.

"More clothes?" Sean said. "Nobody will ever have to worry about seeing you in the buff."

She laughed. "No, but well," she lowered her voice. "That's something some may see, but you, never again."

"Never say never," he said. "I got a new apartment."

"You did? Where?" she asked, in spite of herself. "I'm looking for a place myself," she went on, as if amending her thoughts. "So I want to know where not to look."

"It's a great place, why don't you get a place there. Just because I have one there?" he asked. "Doesn't it mean, if you want to avoid me, that I still have the ability to -"

"Oh, shut up, Sean," she said. "Just because I don't want to be reminded of you doesn't mean I still want to have anything to do with you."

"So you're finally thinking of moving out from the family cocoon," he said. "Good for you. Sergei give you a raise?"

"None of your business, Sean."

"No, just making conversation."

"Why?"

"Because I like to talk to you, that's why."

There was a silence.

"Are you ever going to forgive me, Skye?" Sean said.

"Never!" she said, about to walk away. Then she stopped. "Well," she continued, "I'm not perfect. I make mistakes too. This one of yours just – well it just really pissed me off!"

"But if you don't give a damn about me, then,"

"All right, all right, I get your point," Skye answered. "Totally get it."

"Why don't you come by and see my place, Skye?" he said. "At least it can give you some ideas about apartment hunting. And you can help me with the decorating. If you come by, you'll see how awful I am at it. You might have some good ideas."

Skye looked like she was considering. Sean had the wisdom to shut up at this point. He was aware (from Skye's reprimands and recommendations) that he needed to learn when to do that.

"What's the address?" she asked.

"12D Fairview Court," he told her. "Come by any time you want."

"I'll think about it," Skye said.