Monica thought Anastasia was just pulling her leg until Anastasia handed over her stall inventory and car keys, urging her to drive them back. That''s when Monica realized Anastasia was dead serious. Monica grabbed Anastasia''s arm. "Who are you sneaking around with? I haven''t seen you in ages, and I feel totally out of the loop. No wonder you''ve been looking so radiant. Someone''s been keeping you happy." Anastasia''s cheeks flushed pink as she nced at a car parked nearby. She teased, "My lover''s here to sweep me off my feet."


    Monica''s eyes followed Anastasia''s gaze, and she exploded with expletives. "Holy smokes, I get it now. You''re rekindling an old me. You two got divorced, huh?"


    "That''s why it''s all hush-hush for now. Take care of this stuff for me, will you? And tell my mom I won''t being home tonight."


    "Your mom knows about this?" Monica chewed her lip. "I really have been out of the loop."


    Anastasia chuckled. "You back online yet?"


    Seeing Anastasia genuinely happy, Monica didn''t want to pry. She just said, "Looks like you''re totally hung up on that guy." Anastasia smiled. "I''ve epted my fate."


    Monica replied, "Gianna left us too soon. She''d flip her lid if she saw you two together now."


    Anastasia shushed her. "We''re not exactly official, I better get going."


    Monica waved her off. "Go on, you traitor to friendship."


    With a spring in her step, Anastasia hurried towards Herman''s car.


    Watching Anastasia''s cheerful gait, Monica felt a pang of longing for romance herself. Love does keep a woman young.


    As Anastasia went off on her date, Monica started packing up the car, ready to leave. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out. "Anastasia closed up shop?"


    Monica turned to see Jason, in in clothes, approaching. "Jason, you''re toote. Ana''s gone on a date." Jason furrowed his brow. "A date?"


    Monica said, "Jason, I can tell you''ve got a thing for Ana, but you might as well throw in the towel, you''re not her type."


    As she got into the car and tried to start it, nothing happened. The car was dead.


    Monica muttered, "I told Ana not to buy used. You never get quality with second-hand. Just look, it''s broken again."


    Knowing next to nothing about cars except how to drive them, Monica caught sight of Jason in the rearview mirror and called out, "Jason, you know how to fix cars? Ana''s ride''s busted."


    Jason paused, stood still for a few seconds, then walked back. "Pop the hood."


    Monica was clueless. "Where''s the hoodtch?"


    Jason gave Monica a look, and with a mix of indignation and pride, she said, "I''m a girl. Girls don''t fix cars. Is that so strange?"


    Jason retorted, "You drive one."


    "Just because I can drive doesn''t mean I can fix one," Monica replied. "Could you just show me where the damntch is?"


    With a nk expression, Jason moved to the driver''s side. "Get out."


    Monica got out and, as she passed by Jason, caught the scent of his cologne. "Jason, why are you wearing perfume today? Dior''stest, isn''t it? That''s fordies, you know. A big guy like you liking that brand? It''s the cheapest in Dior''s new line. Usually, it''s popr with the girls at the clubs. Tell me, have you been clubbing for somepany?"


    At her words, Jason suddenly grabbed Monica''s wrist. "What did you just say?"


    "Hey, hey, hey, Jason, what''s the big deal? Let go! Do you believe I''ll file aint?" Monica winced from the pain. "I just said you smell like perfume. No need to freak out."


    Jason demanded, "I haven''t put on any perfume, I haven''t been to any clubs, and I can''t smell anything. How can you?"


    "I''m in the beauty business, I know my cosmetics and perfumes. My nose is just more sensitive."


    Jason''s excitement was palpable. "Are you sure that perfume is popr with club girls?"


    Monica confirmed, "Ny-nine percent sure. Quite a few of my clients work at clubs. They like to keep up appearances, want the brand names but can''t afford the high-end stuff, so they go for the cheapest luxury they can get."


    Jason released Monica and immediately made a phone call. "The suspect was lying. He''s been to a club. Follow this lead. He must''ve had contact with the victim. Check the fluids found on the victim, see if they match the suspect..." Monica stood there, dumbfounded, as Jason made his breakthrough. Was this guy always on duty, connecting everything to solving cases?


    After the call, Jason gripped Monica''s shoulders, his eyes shining. "Thank you."


    She managed a weak smile. "Happy to serve the people."


    Jason praised her. "You''re very conscientious. I have a few cases that could use your nose. I''ll be in touch."


    Monica was speechless. What did he take her for? A police dog?