I came to the conclusion that unrealized hopes, even small ones, were always wrenching.

Do you know what you're saying when you say, "Whatever"? It's just a code word for the f-word, followed by "you." And at your age, you never, ever. say that to anyone.' " Blaze leaned back. "So now, when someone says it to me, I just say, 'You too.' (72)

Everyone has a past, but that's just it--it's in the past. You can learn from it, but you can't change it.

You are staring at me like you were going to eat me up.

It was one thing, after all, to know his feelings for Amanda hadn't changed; it was another thing entirely to face the future with the certainty that they never would.

Not everything," he said. "Not the important things. My kids are safe. You're safe. That's all I really care about. This" - he said motioning - "is just stuff. Most of it can be replaced. It just takes time.

Just when you think it can't get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can't get any better, it can.