"It still meant a lot," I said. And so had his talking to me after I'd been sent the papers. I think that was what I liked about Paul so much, even if he was curious, he didn't ask for more than I was willing to offer. He didn't press. It had made that day that much easier.

But I didn't want to dwell on that. I'd thanked him, he'd accepted it, there was little else I could do. I just wanted him to know that much, and I was glad I'd run into him like that. "Anyway, what have you been up to? Did you have any plans for Christmas?"