Trish Doller

“Something I'm not ready to name works itself under the grip of Charlies death and loosens it, and keeps the nightmare at bay when I fall back asleep.”

“She beams at me and it’s almost enough to make up for the fact that I’m harder than trigonometry right now. Almost.”

“Her green eyes meet mine in the Guinness mirror behind the bar and it feels like all the air has been sucked out of the room. I’ve never slept with this girl, but she was the first I remember wanting.Harper Gray.”

“...chicks are naturally attracted to the scent of badass”

“Does this public display of affection with my daughter on my front porch mean I'm stuck with you now?" he asks, opening the screen door for Harper.I'm not sure if I should laugh, so I hold back. "I'm afraid so.”

“I don't know if my life will ever be completely normal again, but something like normal is a good start.”

“That pretty much sums up our relationship: I have it. He wants it. He gets it. He ruins it.”

“Yeah, well, I don't really want to kick you when you're down, but mostly for some crazy reason"- her face tilts up and she gives me this shy little grin-"I think you might be worth it.”

“You should probably stay away from me," I say, resting my head on my knees. "I'm a mess.”

“When it's your business, I'll let you know.”

“Maybe it’s time to find a new normal.”

“Here's the thing: the strings are already attached.”

“He was the person all of us should be, but most of us aren't. And if I could have taken his place to buy him a little more time in the world, I'd have done it. I'm sorry I couldn't.”

“And, Jesus, she's a good kisser. So good I want to beat the hell out of whoever taught her.”

“Hey back,' I say, my voice low beside her ear. She shivers. I love that.”

“Maybe someday we'll see each other again, Charlie. For real I mean. Until then, save me a seat, okay?-Solo”

“I thought I was having a fucking stroke," I say as they free me from my coated elastic prison, making them laugh even harder.”