“Dex,” she said. “Are you all right?”“I’ll be fine, Sis,” I said, feeling somewhat light-headed, “if you’ll just turn off that horrible music.”

“I think that’s everything,” she said, rising to her feet. “Thank you, Mr. MacIntyre.”He shook his head. “Lucas. Or the deal is off.”She pressed her lips together. “All right. Lucas. And I must tell you, I don’t particularly care for you shortening my name. Emily is perfectly fine.”“I know, Em. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I was trying to be a better man, Perry. For you.” I shifted in my seat. “Dex…” “And I’ll keep trying,” he quickly said, voice low and somber. “Until I get it right.”

“Don’t go off like that,” he said. “Makes me think you’ll just tip right off.”

“If you keep doing that, you’ll be turning in another wrecked PT Cruiser.”“You said you wanted to drive,” Taylor whispered teasingly as she nibbled at his neck.“Because I’m the man.”“Fine. I’ll stop then, if that’s really what you want . . .”The car careened wildly as it took the next corner.“Fuck it,” Jason groaned. “I’ll buy you a new car.”

“She is standing just behind you. Just behind your right shoulder."In the silence of the woods, Polly turned."I can't see her," she said."I am happy for you," said Wazzer, handing her the empty mug."But I didn't see anything," said Polly."No," said Wazzer. "But you turned around...”