Iryna laughed. "No, I ordered it as a surprise. She speaks very fondly of her time there. It seems to be a special place. I am proud to support it."

"Carrie, I like her." Mitch moved back toward the kitchen. "Iryna, you want a beer?"

Iryna bargained down to a Diet Coke, and Mitch tossed her one from the kitchen, which Iryna caught easily. "What do you do for a living, Iryna?"

Cindy blushed furiously. "Mitch, Honey!"

"What?" Cindy's incredulous look didn't sway her. "I'm just curious."

"Sweetheart, that's..."

I cut in. Couldn't help myself. "No, no, let's see how long it takes her."

Iryna smirked at me before answering....