Ash stared into her eyes and even from across the room and up into the seats, Bette could feel his eyes trying to delve into her soul.  Something he had done many times in the past before she slammed the window and pulled the shade.

“Thank you,” she said as she handed the microphone back to the young runner and sat down.

When the Q and A session ended, herds of students and sponsoring faculty charged the floor where Ashton Schwartz stood.  His eyes never left Bette’s as he winded his way through the crowd, up the stairs, and waited for her to reach the end of the row.  As she stepped out onto the landing, Ash pulled her to him and hugged her tightly.  “It is so wonderful to see you, Porter.” He kissed her lightly on the lips, then pulled back, his hands still on her waist as he looked at her.  “You’ve hardly changed.  How long has it been?”

“Since the last time we saw each other or when we broke up?”

“Last time I saw you was about fifteen years ago.  Your hair wasn’t quite as long then.  Other than that, exactly the same.  Maybe even better.”

“From your lips to God’s ears,” Bette said.  Ash dropped his hands from her waist and took one of her hands in his.  Bette smiled at him.  “You’ve changed.”  She nodded as she took him in.  “Speaking of hair, last time I saw you, you had a full head of it, Ash.  In school, I believe you were sporting the famous Afro-mullet.”

Ash winced.  “God, I hope I’ve destroyed all of the pictures from that time.”

“Oh I’m sure I have one or two somewhere.”

“I’ve only seen you for five minutes and already you’re blackmailing me? And I’ll have you know that I still have all of my hair, I just keep it shaved.” Ashton Schwartz’s warm smooth hand held Bette’s lovingly.  “You still look beautiful, dear.”

“It is so good to see you.  So you’re actually considering leaving the East Coast, huh?  I thought you were a New Yorker for life.”

“Professor Schwartz.  Professor Schwartz.” An eager student practically pulled at his sleeve.