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“Atte like the Romans?” I countered

“No, I was actually in Ro, ‘y’all,’ “ he said “It was hard to blend into the crowd While I was traveling, I did et rid of my accent—and the use of ‘y’all’ Happy now?”

“No, there’s still stuff that I don’t know about you, like as your dog’s name when you were a kid? What was the first book you can re? What was your favorite food before you were turned? Did you like pancakes? What’s your favorite movie made after 1970? Don’t say Scarface Please don’t say Scarface”

“Bridges of Madison County”

“What?”

“Fine, that was a lie I enjoyed Edward Scissorhands”

“Really, a loner with a dangerous condition that keeps hith from most people,” I teased “Don’t see that at all”

“Would it have roused “What’s your favorite rity?”

“Whatever is readily available and has Gerard Butler in it,” I told him “Except for PS I Love You Even I have standards Well, the incompatible movie choices cinch it Gabriel, as a couple, I’d say we’re doomed” I shook my head sadly

“I hope that’s not true,” he said, grinning “I have long-term plans for you”

“Really?” I asked, and ied at the astonishment in my voice

“Of course I do,” he said, his eyes narrowed “Don’t you think of ine where you’ll be in the next century or so? Don’t I factor into your plans?”

I ducked“Yeah, but it’s different I’ve never been a va You kno vaet along without me Sometimes I wonder …”

“Wonder what?”

“I wonder when you’re going to get tired of ht? For ood lasts forever And we don’t have any sort of … we haven’t really talked about the long ter now”