Business had been brisk. For the last two weeks friends from the neighborhood stopped by and bought T-shirts, coffee cups, pounds of coffee and bags of cookies like they were going out of style. People that I knew who didn't even drink coffee showed up and nabbed a little something to help with the re-opening.

Between the handshakes, the thank-you's and the kisses, I realized I should get broken into more often. It's good for business!

I was busy wiping down tables before the after-dinner crowd when Kurt came in.

"The place looks good, Hugo."

It seemed strange seeing him in real clothes.

"Kurt! I almost didn't recognize you without the uniform. How wonderful to see you!"

"Well, you won't be seeing me in my khaki's. I got promoted."

"Congratulations."

"'Detective' Reed."

I stopped mid-wipe and drew my hand across my apron to dry it before I held it out to him, "Detective Reed." He cupped my hand in both of his and shook it, squeezing it just tight enough to be friendly and uncomfortable at the same time.

"You're going to pop my knuckles if you keep up with that grip," I said.

His hand loosened, immediately. "Sorry about that. Old hetero habit. I forget how strong my grip is from working out."

"No problem," I said. Old hetero habit? What does that mean? He's gay? I tilted my chins up so that my face looked a little thinner. "Coffee?"

"It's a little too late for coffee. I'll never get to sleep. How about a hot chocolate?"

"Coming right up! So you won't be coming around anymore?"

He nodded no, settling down onto one of the padded wooden stools while I got started. "But now my visits will be strictly social."

Hello? I wanted to say something really clever so I replied "Would you like a bagel or something with that?" You idiot! A bagel? He's flirting with you!

He saw me struggling and smiled to himself. "That would be nice. I haven't eaten dinner, yet. Do you have cream cheese?"

"I do. Do you want the bagel toasted?" He nodded and I placed the finished cocoa in front of him. He started to open his wallet and fish out a bill. "Put that away, Detective. Your money's not good here."

"Is this a bribe?" He took a sip of the drink, a thin strip of whipped cream lining his lips. What thick lips.

"Don't insult me, " I said. "If I was trying to bribe you, I'd at least offer you a cappuccino. Does it taste good?"

"Very good. Thank you."

"My pleasure," I said, leaning onto the counter.

I watched him eat. Suddenly, everything felt normal. I liked that feeling a lot.