He engaged her br In conversation br A few comments on her poems at first br Then casual conversation br Silly stuff really br But she seemed to enjoy it br br He discovered little things about her br She was an E.R nurse br Had wanted kids, but never had em... br (Likely because buddy was always off br At various meetings and business dinners br With Suzy-Whats-Her-Name-Half-His-Age... br br And so... br It continued... br For weeks, he got to know her... br (She wasn't bad looking either br Hubby had provided a photo in case it was required... br He had been surprised that the doofus br Even carried a picture of her! !) br br He discovered br That she had a wild sense of humour br And loved to laugh br He became the man that she was searching for... br A friend... br A confidant... br Someone who gave life wings br br Flirting with women was routine business for him br Getting to actually know them... br And listen to their concerns... br Made him squimish...to say the least... br Single malt scotch... br Made it tolerable br br For weeks he kept the conversation going br Telling himself br 'It's just a job...focus! ! ' br He tried his damndest br To get her to commit br Internet adultery br He couldn't rush things br Or she might get suspicious br Problem was... br Sooner or later br He had to deliver br And it just wasn't happening! br br Instead of finding a cheap tart br He found a warm blooded human being br Who just wanted someone she could reach out to... br A very warm, genuine and real... br 'Damn! ! Of all the gin joints in all the world... br Yea yea...corny! ! ...' br br His thoughts drifted off br To scenes from Casablanca br When his phone rang... br br To be continued...