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I shake my head but Shane motions to my wine "Try it and make sure you like it"

It’s an order, which see that I’m satisfied I take a quick sip, and the fruity sweet liquid is pure perfection "It’s great," I tell him, and eye the waitress "I love it"

"Well then," she says "I’ll put the order into the kitchen" She departs and Shane reaches for the glass I’ h me, the idea of his mouth where mine had beenand feeling breathless And when I would offer it to hi mine as he tilts it to drink, then savors it a moment "Sweet, like your coffee"

"And you think that means what?" I ask

He considers lass "I drink my coffee the way I see the world Harsh and brutal And I drink my booze with a smooth kick, the way I try and face ah without huoing with this"

"No No, you don’t But you do compartmentalize the bad stuff, while I force s no matter how bad they are I’m not sure which is worse"

I’m not sure if I’m more stunned that he’s nailedI find quite personal about himself "And I make this assessment not from your drink, but the way you handle yourself and the look in your eyes"

The look in his eyes, I think I was right We’re drawn together because we’re both dealing with a de?" he asks

"No You pretty much nailed it If I don’t compartmentalize, I worry and obsess It’s just who I a Mya shoe for hours"

"That fits the profile of someone who compartmentalizes to survive"

"And you stand in the fire and let it burn you"

A muscle ticks in his jaw "I stand in the fire," he says, lifting his glass and taking a drink "I don’t let it burn ood at whatever you do" It’s not even a question

"Yes," he says "I’ant as well, but it works for hiood at what you do?"

We just entered dangerous territory and I reach for my wine "Let’s hope so, since I’ht," I say, glad to share one piece of truth "Unplanned" I take a drink, steeling myself for his questions and my lies