... and yet he could also be very charming, in a bookish, infinitely apologetic way.

There was only today to throw yourself into without thinking about tomorrow, let alone forever. To keep you from thinking, there was liquor, an ocean's worth at least, all the usual vices and plenty of rope to hang yourself with. Love is a beautiful liar.

Not everyone out in a storm wants to be saved

I'd had my share of rain. My mother's illness ... had weighed on me, but the years before had been heavy, too. I was only twenty eight.

I hope we'll get lucky enough to grow old together.

Don't tell readers what to think. Let the action speak for itself.

Happiness is so awfully complicated, but freedom isn't. You're either tied down or you're not.