When I closed my eyes I could feel her warmth around me and I did not want it to go away. 

I drift slowly back into the reality of the grungy Queens coffee shop and down the remaining liquid in my cup.  I use the term liquid loosely and I certainly will not refer to what I had just drank as coffee, but the place has served its purpose and I am off.

Not more than ten minutes later I arrive at my destination.  I ring the buzzer for Devon, A. and am greeted by a happy voice asking who is there. 

“Hi, my name is Spencer Carlin, from Channel 5 News.  I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time.” I quickly hear a buzzing noise and I climb the three sets of stairs to her apartment.  She is ready to open the door for me just as I am about to knock and she invites me in.  She points me in the direction of the couch, then offers me a drink, which I decline.  I get right to the point.

After some harsh accusations and careful finesse I get the story I have come for.  She talked forever.  She told me things that even I, a reporter, didn’t want to know.  Several hours later I now have the inherent pleasure of walking through the streets of Queens at night.  I walk much faster than usual all the way to the subway, with a death grip on my purse.  It is really sad when you feel a sense of relief getting on a train into Manhattan.

On the train I search my bag for something to eat; I am famished.  Granola bar, tic tac, heck at this point I think I would eat a piece of paper.  I don’t find nourishment, but what I do find is a white plastic bag with a CD in it.  I debate.  I debate for a good five minutes.  Reluctantly, I pull the CD out of the bag and just admire the cover.  It is her.  She looks more mature, with slightly less eye makeup than I remember and her hair straightened, but other than that, it is the Ashley Davies that I had spent seven years of my life with.  I trace her outline over and over with my finger.  It is good to see her again, even if it is not in person or even through her direct knowledge, but it feels good to think about her, to smile about her.