years ago when I was in Venetia with Micah.

I've mentioned Micah, haven't I?

He was lovely.

A real gourmand, you know, he would seduce you by telling you how exactly the chef would have achieved the perfect sear on your steak, and why the subtle kick of the bernet sauce compliments it so well.

A lot of people could try saying the sorts of things he did and it would come across as pedantic.

But the way he described things, his voice low, his eyes on mine, oh, it was like being invited to experience life

for the first time. He made you realize how much pleasure the human body is capable of feeling, and how many

different varieties. Well, I suppose that's not really appropriate talk for the workplace, is it?

I'm sorry, it's just, once you start reminiscing, you know. What was I say? Oh, yes, Venetia. Lovely place. Have you ever been? Oh, I forgot. You don't really like to travel, do you? Well, it's delightful. If you ever get a chance, I think you'd love it.

Oh, Claire. Always such a taskmaster. But really, you should go. Trust me. You could take that,

huh? That person you were talking about last night. Rachel or Rochelle or whatever it was.

Yes, Diana, that's right.

You and Diana would have a lovely time in Venetia.

Yes, yes, exactly, Diana, who you broke up with a year ago.

Well, you know, I've never understood this insistence that relationships should have hard and fast

endpoints.

People are fluid, changeable creatures, so relationships must be two.

When you have shared the kinds of understanding the two of you must have shared there is bound to be strands of connection that linger no door is ever truly closed

okay okay i know you're mad at me after last night but really really, I'm just trying to have a civil conversation.

Oh, come on now, Claire, you don't have to pretend with me.

Well, of course, we can get started.

Exactly, whom is stopping us. Okay. In the times before, children like you lived in small

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