appealing than he had been in her memory all those years。 He was a man
for today； to be sipped and savored like the wine he poured into her now
empty glass。
When he spoke； she was grateful for the wine's mellowing shield。 〃When
was the last time you were home？〃
〃Home？〃
〃New Orleans。 Do you go back there often？〃
〃No。〃 New Orleans was the past。 She wanted the present。 〃What does that
have to do with anything？〃
〃Love。 You asked me about it。 I'm asking you the same。 You loved your
family once。 Do you still？〃
〃Yes。〃
〃But you never see them。 Don't you miss them？〃
Even in spite of the wine； she grew defensive。 〃I do。〃
〃How often do you call home？〃 he asked gently。
〃Every so often。〃
〃And the last time you flew down？〃
She hedged。 〃It was a while ago。〃
When he leaned forward to pursue his point； she sensed that he really
and truly cared。 〃Why； Chloe？ What does love mean to you that you can
ignore those same people who worry themselves sick about you？ That can't
be what love is about。〃
〃We're talking about different kinds of love。 One kind you're born into；
the other you choose。〃
〃The end result is the same。 Once a man and a woman make that mitment
and marry； they face the same kinds of trials that your family faced。
You've run away…〃
〃Don't。〃 She clamped a hand on his arm。 〃Please don't； Ross。 I