Maxine hesitated, unsure whether to approach them. After all, she barely knew Chris, and didn't want to interrupt their date. Just as Maxine was about to continue her way, the couple noticed her and, much to Maxine's surprise, turned in her direction and greeted her warmly.

"Hey, Maxine! Are you heading to class?" Chris asked with a friendly smile.

"Hello. Um, yes, I am," Maxine replied, a bit disoriented. "You remember my name?"

"Of course! Your friend Anne has told me so much about you," Chris said.

Maxine turned to the blonde girl and smiled. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met."

"Oh, I'm Anna," the girl said, extending her hand with a smile. "I've heard so much about you too."

Maxine laughed, shaking the girl's hand. "Anne talks about me, huh? Please, don't believe everything she says."

Maxine chatted with the two for a few minutes, discovering that they were both students of Psychology, whom had just started their respective masters.

"Chris is the most handsome of the department," Anne had once said.

Maxine understood what Anne meant. He had a charisma that was almost magnetic, and a sense of humor 

that was contagious.

Maxine remembered the time, years ago, that a similar fate had befallen her as she recalled another of Anne's sayings. "No doubt about it, you know."

Chris, unlike Maxine's previous romantic encounters, had approached her in a gentle, respectful way. They met in small groups, their conversations never lasting for more than a few minutes. For the first time in a while, Maxine found herself attracted to someone, and the feeling was surprisingly liberating.

"Would you like to meet for coffee sometime?" Maxine asked, her heart racing.

"Absolutely," Chris responded, his eyes shining.