“Are you sure this is okay?” he asked, his voice low.

“Yes, of course! I’m glad you came!” She gave him a quick peck and then reached for his coat and hung it up.

“Dan!” Elliot said, clasping his shoulder as he offered him his hand. “It’s good to see you again!”

“Thank you, sir,” Dan said, ever the gentleman. “Thanks for having me.”

“Ah, forget the ‘sir’ business!” Elliot smiled. “Call me Elliot!”

Both Angela and her mother looked at him stunned, as if he were a different person.

“It’s good to have another man around here,” Elliot said, headed for the living room. “Come in and make yourself...