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– this one left her exhausted, eager, and filled with warmth.
     
    *****
     
    Those pleasant feelings continued as she once again sat at the kitchen table, trying to make sense of her life. A little after five in the morning, Amber sleepily found her way into the kitchen. “Good morning, I’m not used to having a roommate. The light startled me.”
    “ I’m sorry. The time difference made me wake early.”
    “ Don’t you want coffee?” Amber asked as she selected a small cup and placed it in the top of the machine. Next she pushed a few buttons and the machine came to life. Slowly, Claire walked over to the counter.
    “ I’m afraid you may have bitten off more than anyone can chew. Apparently, I don’t even know how to make coffee.”
    Amber laughed, “These are kind of new. The hardest part is deciding your flavor.”
    Claire explained she should call her sister before news of her release hit the media. Amber brought Claire her laptop, “This is to look up your sister’s number. You’re also welcome to use the telephone and call whomever you want.” Claire considered the possibility of unlimited access. Undoubtedly, she would require help with more than just coffee.
    Emily’s number was unpublished, but Claire remembered it was listed on the information from the prison. Of course, Emily was her emergency contact. Listening to the telephone ring she prayed she’d catch her sister before Emily left for work. It was after eight in Indiana. As the answering machine began to speak, Claire hung-up. She didn’t want to leave a message . What if Emily’s line was monitored? Claire knew she sounded paranoid. But, how does the saying go? Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean someone’s not out to get you.
    While Amber readied for work, Claire continued to browse the laptop. There was so much information literally at her fingers tips. Amber’s internet was much faster than the one at the prison. Claire was lost in cyberspace when sounds came from the living room. Someone had entered the front door of the condo.
    Walking casually into the kitchen, in worn jeans, a white t-shirt, and bare feet was a handsome man. His blonde hair fell in messy waves, and his face held the telltale shadow of someone who’d yet to shave. Not knowing what to do, Claire sat quietly and watched as he walked in a sleepy haze toward the mysterious coffee maker. After engineering the machine like a pro, he turned toward the table and saw Claire. His smile extended to his cheeks creating small lines around his light blue eyes. “Oh, hello, you must be Claire.” He casually leaned against the counter and took her in.
    Suddenly she felt underdressed. Not like she needed to be formal, just more clothes than a t-shirt and shorts. Claire couldn’t help notice his firm lean body, long legs, and obvious level of comfort. “Yes, I am. I’m also at a disadvantage. You know my name, but I don’t know yours.” Other than guards, she hadn’t spoken to a man in a longtime. She suddenly realized this man must be Amber’s new romance. She couldn’t help but think Amber moved on rather quickly. It wasn’t a judgmental thought, more an observation. Especially after last night’s conversation regarding their common bond with Simon. Claire also realized she should stop staring in his direction. He may be handsome, but the last thing Claire wanted to do was cause problems between Amber and her beau.
    Offering his hand, he walked forward, “So sorry, my name is Harry. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
    “ Finally?” She responded as she shook his hand and recovered her own quickly.
    “ Well, I’ve heard all about you since you contacted Amber months ago.”
    As Harry spoke, Amber returned to the kitchen. She no longer looked like the stylish casual woman of last night or the sleepy robe wearing woman of earlier. Instead, she personified Ms. McCoy, CEO of SiJo Gaming. Everything from her attire to her long hair twisted into a knot at