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about it. I was disappointed, but I understand.”
    Clair nodded over at Roz behind the counter. “You know, I don’t think I’ve met anyone as sweet at her. She seemed so concerned about me. And not once has my glass been empty. Most places try to get me out as soon as they can.”
    “Oh no, not Roz. She’s the most caring person I know. I was lucky to have met her when I did over a year ago. Who knows where I would be now?”
    “Wow, you’ve been together for a year… I wouldn’t have thought… I mean, you’re really lucky; she seems like a great woman.”
    Alex choked out a laugh. He looked at Clair like she’d lost her mind. “Roz has done so much for me and I’d do anything for her, but dating… oh gross! That wouldn’t be one of them. Don’t get me wrong, I love her, but she’s more like the mother I never had than a girlfriend.” 
    “Sorry, I didn’t know. I didn’t mean to assume,” she said, looking at her drink again.
    Alex chuckled, “Don’t worry about it.” He looked at the clock and saw that it was eight a.m. “Well, I better get to the kitchen and help Roz with whatever it is she called about. She may have my boss wrapped around her finger, but that’s still not going to keep him from chewing me out for being late.”
    “Oh, what kind of work do you do?
    “Construction. I work for Cityscape Construction. We specialize in building new homes and remodeling. Right now, we’re working on a new subdivision called Hillcrest Manor. We’ve been working out there for a couple months. It’s going to be a pretty big neighborhood. Roz’s boyfriend owns the company and she’s the reason I got the job in the first place.”
    “That’s hard work, isn’t it?” Clair asked.
    “Well it sucks working when it’s really cold outside or when it’s hot and humid, but I don’t do much of the construction part of it anymore. I’m the foreman now. I manage the jobsite and make sure everyone’s working. The pay is pretty good, and Stu’s not such a bad guy. I like to give him a hard time, just for the hell of it sometimes,” he grinned.
    “Well, it looks like you have a pretty good life here,” Clair replied, looking around the diner. 
    He stood up from his bench seat and walked to Clair’s side of the table. “Yeah, I do. It didn’t used to be that way, though.” He paused for a moment, wanting to say more but decided against it. “Well, I get off about six tonight. I usually eat here after work, so I’ll be in around seven-thirty. I’d like to talk with you more, if you’re still around.”
    “I’ll probably be leaving soon, so I doubt I’ll still be around.
    “Oh, okay.” Alex said, disappointed. He wanted to ask her now about the job, but it wasn’t his place. He wanted to know more about her. There was more to her than just her tattered shirt and unpatched jeans.
    “Well, in case I don’t get to see you again, it was a pleasure meeting you, even under the circumstances,” Alex said, laying his hand over hers.
    “Thank you, Alex… for everything. It really was nice meeting you.”
    “Goodbye, Clair.”
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIVE
     
     
     
    Clair
    His work boots thumped across the floor as he walked towards the kitchen. Clair wondered why everyone here was being so kind. She had run into people on the street that were willing to help her, but only if they got something in return. There were some things she wouldn’t do, which often prevented her from getting food or a ride to another town. It was nice to see that there were still people in the world who wanted to help and expected nothing in return.
    Now, Clair had to ask herself: should she stay or should she go? What were the chances this town held any promise for her after none of the others did?  If she stayed, what would she be staying for? Alex? She laughed at herself for even considering such an option. Staying in town for a guy was the last thing she needed and why would she? She didn’t