"That's fine. I'll see you at seven." He waved and pulled out of my driveway, back at work before anyone would notice he was gone. I put the gift together. It was a small box containing the car's title, registration, two keys, and $4,000 in cash. I watched the news, finally leaving the house in time to be there at my usual time.

The place was packed, but Liv and the hostess greeted me with big smiles. "Merry Christmas, Leo," she said as she brought me to my table. I smiled; finally, she was calling me Leo.

"Merry Christmas to you, Liv. Is Vicki ready for Christmas morning?"

She laughed....