Once Lori and Wesley had left, Lori's apartment seemed unexpectedly lonely to Eric. It wasn't even seven yet and the evening loomed ahead, boring and empty. Maybe he ought to take advantage of the downtime and go get some new stuff for his house. Just as he was rooting around on the kitchen counter for his keys, there was a knock on the door.

"Saw the women leave," Ben told him, holding out a long-necked bottle dripping with condensation. "Make quite a picture together, don't ...