I kept my eyes right on Abbie's. The man barely existed. "Come with me," I commanded.

"I don't think you were listening, pal. I said, the lady and I were talking. Why don't you take a seat." He probably sat up taller, or cracked his knuckles, or some other macho posturing bullshit. I wouldn't know. I wasn't looking.

"You heard the man." But her eyes signaled her mirth.

"I heard him. He said you were talking. Were. Now, we're talking. So let's... talk."

The man said something, but Abbie spoke right over him. "You have something you want to say to me, Mister?"

"Matter of fact, I do." I took...