Yes, Trina. Really, I'll show up to help you. Really, I'll bring a friend. Really, I'm not a total dick. I just play one on TV.

I wondered if this was how it felt to sell your soul to the devil. I bet there were awesome cookies in hell, too.

Sometimes your garden surprises you. You don't remember planting strawberries or mint, but there it is, rising up in the middle of the carrot patch. Maybe the seeds blew in from the neighbor's garden. Or maybe they were buried in the dirt and you unearthed them when you tilled the soil. Or maybe you're reaping what you've sown. However it happened, you now have unexpected bounty. Accept it with gratitude.

Just so you're clear, that wasn't a pity kiss.

Life's messy," he agreed. "But sometimes amazing things can happen, even when it seems like it's all falling apart.

I had a whole evening planned. I was hoping to sweep you off your feet. Like those guys in your stupid books.

I chose to spend the day with you. And I'm choosing now to have dinner with you.

It didn't matter what anyone else saw in me. For the first time, I felt like I was seeing myself.

I'm so sorry about all you're going through, but I'm not sorry that it brought you to me.

With you, it's... I don't even know how to say it. It's like you're a work of art. Every time I'm with you, I see something new. Something beautiful.