I don’t have many, and none that I can talk to like you.”
“I’ll be your friend, Carol. XXX He pulled her close and kissed her, deeply. By mutual, unspoken consent, they began to dial back their passion as the sky began to darken. He was ready. After a short, bitter phone call–“I have nothing to say” was all she told him, in a voice as cold as ice–they had no more contact for more than fifteen years. He drove there all but vibrating with anticipation, checked into his hotel, and then went to the mall a half-hour early, carrying a single red rose. He mailed the letter and forgot it, knowing he would get no answer. He nodded, then bent down and put his hand on Charlie’s shoulder. He thought of little else for the next two days. Even in dreams, it seemed, he could go no farther.
