“Unfortunately, I can’t run from my heart. It hurts, deep inside my body. And I know I’ll never be the same.”

“This mirror inside me shows.I can’t say what, but I can’t not know.I run from body. I run from spirit.I do not belong anywhere.”

“Never a horse that can’t be rode and never a rider that can’t be throwed. (I’ll pass this off as my own, but I really stole it from my father, a cowboy and rodeo rider in his younger years.)”

“So, what would you like to drink?” “Aside from you?” I laughed anxiously. “You can’t drink me.” He leaned forward, his eyes running up and down my body, causing my skin to heat. “Yes, I believe I can. And I believe I will. But for now, I’ll just have a Bombay and tonic.”

“Okay. If you want to do this thing with Marcus then fine. I’ll take it and deal with it. But when he hurts you. When he lets you down, I’ll be here. My arms are always open for you to run into. I want you happy and if you think this asshole will make you happy then fine. You need to live a little too. I can’t protect you from everything, but I can be here to hold you when he breaks your heart.”

“Being strong is not the same as being a strong being. I should know because cowardice runs in my family, as I always run from my fears.”