“Stupid people always ignored good advice”

“Ignore you, sweetheart? I think it would be easier to stop breathing."-Vasili”

“My mother helped me to get past that. She was always there for me, until she dies. I remember she told me once, about big hearts and small hearts, and that not everyone could be blessed with a big one that had room to care for a lot of people. She promised me that mine was big, and that I was the lucky one for it.”

“But your habits undergo no change in this pretense? Or do you think anyone was fooled yesterday by your so-called 'appointment' last night? That is what you told your mother, correct? That you had an appointment?"His eyes came back to hers. "Are we showing signs of jealousy again?""I'm asking a pertinent question," she said stiffly. "If you think this pretense is going to only be one-sided, then it ends now."Incredibly,his humor returned abruptly, his grin quite wide. "Before you start turning green, I suppose I must admit that appointment wasn't a good word for it, since it wasn't a scheduled meeting. I merely went to see my solicitor,and,no, he doesn't wear skirts."She ignored that ridiculous attempt at a joke.”

“Now that's the sort of love Richard had always been looking for, enduring, defying obstacles, reciprocated.”

“No one is going to know about this, or should I be more explicit?""Yes," she replied sharply. "I am brilliantly cunning and stupidly dense at the same time.Do continue treating me like a child.""Your sarcasm is uncalled-for.""I disagree.Actually,I will probably disagree with you henceforth whether I agree with you or not! I can behave like a child if you insist on treating me like one.”

“You know,I think I'd rather freeze than continue this conversation. You've been warned.Proceed at your own risk."He smiled. "I always do,darlin'.”