First impression: the lady's fine. Not as pure hot as Kristy, but more Nicky's usual type than Little Red in the diner. She's real happy to see him, too, doesn't even notice me before she lays one on him. And right there's reason number two I know my boy's whipped, because it's sweet, hey, I missed you, not let's get sweaty.

Damn, Nicky, I think. You are a boy scout.

Then she's saying hi, and he's doing introductions, and hustling us out. I clap a hand on his shoulder. "Whoa, hold up, Nicky, my man. What's the rush? We just got here. You wouldn't want Karen to think you're ashamed of me or anything, now would you?"

I push past him to hold out my hand for Karen, and pull up a warm smile like she's about to be my sister-in-law. "Hey, Karen." I nod at her. "Nice to meet you. Nicky's been talking about you nonstop since I got here." Lie, but I figure I owe him one.