Clarke had been reading the Post and mindlessly popping fries in his mouth. Twice a week he treated himself to dinner out. Would it be nicer to have a companion to share dinner with? Yes. Should he feel strange for eating out alone? No. Sometimes he did have a friend or a co-worker with him anyway but not usually.

He was pleasantly surprised to see Sam. He laughed, pushing his fries towards her. "What are you doing here?"