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truce and try to be friends? I know you’re moving on with your life and I’m trying to move on with mine, but I need your friendship.”
    Kevin swallowed hard, trying to suppress the lump that threatened to choke him. Why did she have to sound so sincere, and why on earth did she have to be so beautiful? Why was he even there with her in the first place? Kevin didn’t trust himself to speak, so he just nodded his consent.
    They sat there for a long time talking about church. It wasn’t until Kevin used his left hand to take a swig of Coke that Marlissa realized she was still holding his right hand. He didn’t say anything and neither did Marlissa. Kevin was sharing with her the details of his nomination for Physician of the Year at Sutter Hospital for his work in repairing retinal and corneal defects, when the music changed from the festive beat to a slow, mellow tune. It was one of their favorites; one that always made him think of her.
    â€œDance with me,” Marlissa insisted. Kevin was taken aback by her request. “Please, I won’t bite.”
    He wanted to tell her no, but they’d made a truce and Kevin was a man of his word. Besides, they’d danced to the tune countless times before.
    At first it was awkward trying to slow dance and, at the same time, keep a safe distance from each other. Marlissa knew Kevin well. He wanted to be closer to her; he just didn’t know how to tell her. Marlissa decided to open the door for him.
    As Melba Moore and Freddie Jackson crooned the words to “A Little Bit More,” Marlissa leaned into him and laced her fingers around his neck, then rested her head against his chest. The two instantly fell into sync, and, for a while, nothing else mattered.
    â€œI want to hold you in my arms forever,” the duo bellowed, and Kevin reacted by pressing her even closer. Kevin wanted to restrain himself, but couldn’t. He didn’t mean to squeeze her so tightly, but it had been a long time and she felt so good. He certainly didn’t mean to moan, but for some reason his body seemed to be controlled by what was in his heart and not his brain. Kevin wanted to kick himself for surrendering to her so easily.
    It was evident that neither wanted to let go when the song ended. They stood there, holding each other. Finally, Marlissa raised her head, only to find him staring intensely down at her. He didn’t say anything, but the rapid flexing of his jaw muscles spoke volumes. He wanted the same thing she needed.
    â€œKevin, I don’t want a divorce. I love you,” she whispered, then raised her mouth to his. At first he was hesitant, like he was trying to digest her words, but she persisted and he joined her lips on a sweet but passionate ride. When she finally released him, he was panting for breath. Without saying a word, Marlissa took him by the hand and led him off the dance floor.
    â€œReyna who?” she mumbled victoriously, heading back to the table.
    â€œI think we should be going.” Kevin pulled out enough bills to cover the check and a nice tip.
    Marlissa nodded her agreement. She’d put the ball in Kevin’s court and he needed to be alone to chart his next move.
    Kevin walked quietly with Marlissa to her car and waited for her to unlock the door.
    â€œThanks for dinner and the dance,” she said once she’d fastened the seat belt. Kevin looked perplexed, like he wanted to say something. “Kevin, what’s on your mind?”
    He exhaled deeply. “Marlissa, I heard what you said in there, but I don’t understand. You’ve been saved and sober for a year, why didn’t you come back? If I hadn’t filed for divorce, I wouldn’t have known if you were dead or alive.”
    Marlissa reached for his hand, but this time he placed his hand inside his pocket. “Kevin, I was coming back at the beginning of the year, but your mother asked me not to.”
    â€œMarlissa,