Chapter 23: The Expert

Emily told Byron about her friend's relationship problem. It was a good partnership overall, but Pam and her boyfriend Mike had fallen into the boredom of routine, where nothing exciting happened.

"So how do I fit into the picture?" Byron asked, raising one dark eyebrow.

"Originally, I was going to talk to Mike," Emily explained, "but it just occurred to me, maybe he should get another guy's perspective. And you're really good at keeping things exciting with your handwritten letters and champagne in the middle of the afternoon. You could give him some advice."

"But he doesn't even know me," Byron objected, "Why would he take advice from someone who's practically a stranger?"

"It'll be okay, I'll introduce you."

Maybe it was the champagne talking, but Emily felt blissfully happy, and she wanted her best friend to be happy too.

"I know it might not be easy," she said decisively, "but we have to try."

Emily arranged to meet Mike after work the next day at a downtown cafe with a