`` now you talk to me , '' i tell her gently . my response is another deep , flaming blush . he buried those thoughts , slid out of the booth and gave her a grin . i swallowed and nodded , trying to understand . like a disease , actually , maybe thats what youve got from them . '' i could more readily believe in the eternal life of the soul . i waited for him to lock the office and i waited for him to lock the back door of the bar . 