he asked , and she felt she could see it there : some faint flicker of change in his cold eyes . i told him okay and asked if he needed me to bring anything . `` my old man walked out on us when i was five . but there were many less beautiful moments . her eyes lift from the book and settle on mine when i sit down across from her . i walk back to the window and gaze out at the city of los angeles , my arms crossed loosely over my stomach . 