The sun was setting as Felix returned to Canraville. He had planned to meet Xena, but she had been called to an urgent meeting in Yartford at the last minute.

Jack called just as he got home. Felix said, "Perfect timing. I just got back and brought some good food. Let's have a drink."

Jack's voice was hushed. "Buddy, we thought you'd gone off the grid."

Off the grid? Felix was puzzled.

"Nancy called you a few times. Why didn't you pick up?" Jack asked.

It was true that Nancy had called three times on Felix's way back. But how could he answer her call? The more they interacted, the more pain it would bring her.

"Are you with Nancy right now?" Felix could tell Jack was probably calling from the bathroom.

"Yeah, it's her birthday today. She wanted to invite you."

Felix sighed. "Just tell her you couldn't reach me either. And ask Nessa to stop playing matchmaker. Nancy's a great girl, but I just can't."

"I understand. Wrong timing, I guess," Jack relented.

Just as he hung