"I already took advantage of my opportune moment," he says, squinting and cagey. He can't drop his eyes; they stay connected to hers from across the short distance, deep green against rheumy blue. He feels old, and a little foolish, and he resents her for it.

"For almost a thousand dollars, I'm going to need more than a good look," he says. "You're giving those away for free. A kiss and we'll call it even."