They had the faces of angels and the determination of demons. - Alexander Chee

her interest was not the beginning of a friendship but more of a measuring.

Waiters and escorts both know that indiscretion is a career-ending move. You reveal a secret only if you are never going back again.

You could mistake your ability to go this far for strength. So you go on. Strength is admirable, after all, and you are ashamed of everything else about yourself. This endurance at least — this you can admire.