"Finally, an end to winter!" Catherine declared. "Everyone in this city's so dark and dreary in winter. All those black jumpers and black scarves and black coats. All that rain and wind -"

"Not that much rain" Brent said.

"Are you kidding? It bucketed down."

"The reservoirs are still only twenty-eight percent full" Brent said. "Combined."

"Oh right, the drought. But it's broken, don't you think? It's definitely been wetter this winter than last year."

"Maybe" Brent conceded.

"Oh Brent, you're so gloomy. You always think of the worst. It's a good thing you've got me around to keep you positive!"

"Are you coming over tonight?" Brent asked, shifting his 'phone from one ear to the other. He heard the beep of a cash-register in the background on Catherine's side of the call.

"I can't" Catherine said. "I promised Cassie from work I'd go out drinking with her. Girls' night out."

"Okay."

"But Axel's coming, too" Catherine said. "I mean he's gay but he's not a girl. So I guess that's a precedent. I mean if you wanted to come, too."

"Axel, from work? No," Brent said, "if it's a work thing I don't wanna get in the way."

"I'm pretty sure Cassie's boyfriend will be there, too."

"Thanks" Brent said. "That's nice of you. But really, I'm okay. You have a fun time."

"Well, okay" Catherine said, and the crackle of the 'phone line disguised her tone of voice. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay. I mean, sure,"

"I'd better get back to work, my break's almost over" Catherine said.

"I can't believe you spent your whole break talking to me! Did you at least eat while you were talking? I don't want you to starve."

"What do you mean, you can't believe it?" Catherine asked. "I haven't seen you since yesterday!"