"What do you think?" I ask Matt.

He nods his approval. "Nice, Meg. That dress fits like a second skin. But you don’t need that other stuff."

By stuff, I know he means my jewelry: bracelets, hoop earrings, and gold choker.

He stuffs a pretzel into his mouth and crunches. "Too much window dressing. All that junk detracts from the dress. It’s like I always say--"

"I know," I blow out a sigh, staring into the mirror, "less is more."

"Exactly. I say lose everything. And try these instead of those inner tubes masquerading as earrings."

"Especially the choker," he’s adamant. "You want him looking at your software--not all that hardware."

I give his arm a playful punch and laugh when he feigns pain. Matt and I live in the same building. We hit it off the day I moved in, and we’ve been great friends ever since.

"So…where’s the dashing, well-to-do Dr. Jared Stone taking you?" Matt, a financially challenged first year photo editor, leans against the wall.

His sarcasm doesn’t escape me. "I don’t think he exactly hangs with Bill Gates."

"Maybe not, but any guy who owns a Lexus, a house, and a cabin cruiser rates as well-to-do in my book," he declares.

I slip into my heels. "We’re going to Russo’s"

"Ah! Good choice for a first date. Classy…and mucho expensive. No salads tonight, Meg. Order Chateaubriand and Champagne," he grins. "Stick Dr. Dashing with a big bill."

I do an eye roll and answer my cell. Moving to the window, I frown as Jared announces he’s waiting for me in his car--three floors below.

There’s no mistaking Matt’s amused expression. "Probably has asthma and can’t do stairs. I must know fifty guys like that," he teases.

Ignoring the commentary, I grab my purse. "I’ll stop by later. Let you know how it went."

"Uh…I won’t be there," Matt says.

I’m intrigued. "A date? Did you finally invite her out?"

He shakes his head. "No date."

I pause, my hand on the doorknob. "Well, we’ll talk tomorrow then, over breakfast. Say tenish?"

Matt runs a hand through his hair. His serious expression makes me uneasy. "Meg, I won’t be home then, either. Remember that transfer I was considering?"

"Yea," I nod slowly.

"Well, it came through. I’m leaving tonight."

"Tonight?" My heart jumps into my throat. "But what about your apartment and your furniture?" I wonder aloud.

"I put some things in storage. And I guess I’ll sublet the apartment. I just have one suitcase. You know me," he rolls his shoulders. "Less is more."