Sam sat up straight and looked up at Elliott. "Thank you very much, Elliott, but you really don't need to do this. I have money and I can take care of it myself."

"I'm sure you can," Elliott explained, "but I want to buy your supper. Look, it's your first night in town. You're exhausted from your trip and your long walk to the diner. Tell you what. You can pick up the bill the next time. Okay?"

She looked deeply in his eyes and saw only sincerity. "Okay," she agreed, ...