“Foreign novels are less action-oriented. They have a different pace; they’re more reflective. They challenge us to look for the story, find the story within the story.”

“History books are filled with lies. Whoever wins the war tells the story.”

“A moment of reserve. "That was it? The whole story?""Yes. God, you're right. That was pants."I sidestep another aggressive couscous vendor. "Pants?""Rubbish. Crap. Shite."Pants. Oh heavens, that's cute.”

“The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”

“The grapes are smaller than I’m used to, and the skin is slightly textured. Is that dirt? I dip my napkin in water and dab at the tiny purple globes. It helps, but they’re still sort of rough. Hmm. St. Clair and Meredith stop talking. I glance up to find them staring at me in matching bemusement.“What?”“Nothing,” he says. “Continue your grape bath.”

“Toph kicks over the microphone stand in a grand,asshole gesture,and the three of them jump off the stage.It's a little less dramatic when they have to come right back to take apart their stuff before the next band comes on. I try to catch Bridge's eye,but she won't look at me.Her gaze is locked on her cymbal stands. Toph takes a swig of bottled water,gives me a wave, then grabs his amp and heads for the parking lot.”

“The realization is surprising, but the one that follows stuns me even more. I'm not in love with him anymore.Instead, looking at him makes me feel...hollow.”