"Hi, Kate, it's wonderful to meet you," I say, immediately holding my hand out to her, relieved that I don't recognize her face right off the bat. I haven't met a single friend of Derek's that I don't like so far. Neil was really the only exception at first, but after everything that's happened, there's probably no one in the city I'd trust more than him and Derek anymore.

"He had a big part in keeping me alive and in possession of all my limbs," I counter, nudging him lightly with my elbow. "Suppose it balanced out in the end."

Grinning a little, I tip my head up to look at Derek. "Somehow I doubt she got you here by holding you at gunpoint. Don't you dare try pretending there ain't a part of you loving the attention. Have you narrowed down any choices yet?" I ask, looking back at Kate.