"That's a great story. A story to pass down to your grandchildren."

"If I ever have any."

"You will someday."

"Not with my attitude toward men." Janet scratched her chest just below her neck. She wore a charcoal blouse. The top button was undone and David's eyes lingered on the faint pink mark left by her nails. "David, tell me what your shadow is. I really want to know."

"I don't have one. I promise you."

"David."

"I don't. I don't have a dark side."

"David."

"You don't either, Janet. That's a great story, but it has nothing to do with your dark side. I think you're witty. Yes, you're very witty-"

"I think you're getting sneaky and witty mixed up," Janet interjected.

"No. You're witty," David persisted. "You're very witty. And witty people are not always appreciated."

"Several people have told me that I'm clever. But I think I'm simply sneaky. I wish I were more clever. Somehow I felt that my life would've been much better. Much more orderly…" She put her head down. David feared that she was beginning to tear up. He looked away. He could hear Janet's breathing. It was forced.

"Look, Janet, yes. Yes," David said, "you are sly. But that's what I like about you.

"Sometimes I think I am too sneaky for my own good." Her voice was distressed. "I'm too goddamned sneaky."

"When it comes to men, you have to be one step ahead of them."

"Yes, but I am usually two steps ahead of the game and people don't even know it. Especially men."