Page 26 of Drop Dead Gorgeous

Instead . . .

"You're not from here."

He shakes his head.

"I've never lived anywhere long enough."

"But you keep coming back."

He studies the rain beyond the window.

"People come to small towns hoping to disappear."

A faint smile touches his mouth.

"Or hoping someone notices they haven't."

"And you?"

"I came because I was needed."

Another pause.

"I stayed because it's quiet."

He considers that.

"Or perhaps the other way around."

I study him for another moment.

"Can I ask something slightly ridiculous?"

"You may."

"Do you own another color?"

He looks down at himself.

"So far . . ."

"No."

I laugh so hard I nearly stick eucalyptus where chrysanthemums ought to be.

"You know . . ."

"I don't think you realize when you're funny."

"I'm funny?"

"Occasionally."

"I'll have to be more careful."

"You absolutely should not."

For just a moment . . .