Maybe she should have taken that stranger up on his offer, she thought. Then she wouldn’t be feeling so awkward sitting there now. Besides, accepting the man’s offer was something Adrienne probably would have had no qualms about. She glanced over at the tall blond. Suddenly for the first time in a long time, she was tempted to live as recklessly as her roommate. Throw all caution to the wind. Not dwell on ramifications, or consequences, or anything that would have her rethinking her decision, especially now that she suddenly didn’t want to be rethinking any decision. Like Adrienne, she wanted to follow her own impulses, do whatever and go wherever those impulses might lead.

When a buxom waitress appeared at her table to take her order, Myrna waved her away, figuring she would not be there long enough. But when a half-hour passed, then almost an hour and that same waitress returned, Myrna, mortified by the knowing look on the woman’s face, ended up ordering a glass of Chablis. She drank half of its contents as soon as it was delivered. Then with deliberate nonchalance, she ventured a look at the renegade biker cowboy. He caught her glance and tipped his hat back on his forehead. Taking this as some kind of a cue, he strolled over to her table. “So what plane is your friend coming in on?”

“The one from Albuquerque. With all this tightened security, maybe his plane was delayed.”

“Hmmm, I just flew from there myself on my own plane. But I did hear some of the other flights had gotten delayed because of stormy weather."

“Oh? Well, maybe that’s why he’s not here yet.” The expected disappointed did not follow.

“My offer still holds.” He glanced down at what she was drinking. “Looks like your glass could use refilling.”

Suddenly feeling more reckless by the minute, Myrna gave him a long contemplative look. What could it hurt? The airport was crawling with security guards, and despite his rough and ready appearance, she couldn’t say why, but the man appeared a little lost himself. She had a sixth sense about some people, and she felt there was more to this man offering to spend time with her than met the eye.

“You know, Mr. Albuquerque, that might be the best offer I’m going to get today.” She flashed a wide smile.

“I know what you mean, Red. There’s nothing worse than sitting alone in an airport. Oh, by the way. The name is Adams. Flynt Adams.” He extended a hand to her.

She grasped his hand and immediately liked the firmness. “Mine’s Adrienne. Adrienne Bennett.” Why on earth she gave him Adrienne’s name, she couldn’t say. It simply seemed like the natural thing to do, at least in this instance. She thought she detected a funny look come into his ice blue eyes, but the die had been cast. For the moment at least, she had become I’ll-try-anything-once Adrienne Bennett, and no longer plain old safe-and-sorry Myrna Dunbar.

             Strangely enough it suddenly felt good to be playing the part. It was as if she had taken off a pair of shackles that she had been carrying far too long. She knew she could play the part, and play it well. She also knew she would probably never see this man again after she left the airport lounge. So why not pretend? Why not pretend for just one evening to be someone else—live and enjoy that someone else’s life. Live someone else’s thoughts that she would never be held accountable...nor for any of her acts.