“Stuart needs "space" and "time," as if this were physics and not a human relationship.”

“But I do not know what to tell myself. Stuart needs "space" and "time," as if this were physics and not a human relationship.”

“Here's to new beginnings," Stuart says and raises his bourbon.I nod, sort of wanting to tell him that all beginnings are new.”

“Stuart stands and says, 'Come here,' and he's on my side of the room in one stride and he claps my hands to his hips and kisses my mouth like I am the drink he's been dying for all day and I've heard girls say it's like melting, that feeling. But I think it's like rising, growing even taller and seeing sights over a hedge, colors you've never seen before.”

“Lord, I never seen blue hair on a black woman before or since. Leroy say you look like a cracker from outer space.”

“I'm sorry, but were you dropped on your head as an infant?”

“I'd cry, if only I had the time to do it.”