"Yeah, you keep on hoping. I'm gonna hold off, because I'm pretty sure something out there has it out for me, specifically. I mean, I know something out there has it out for me, specifically, but not in this context. Which I'm sure totally makes you want to hang out with me more, right?"

But there wasn't accusation in his voice, because he was confident enough Karen liked him, and actually liked him despite all that bullshit. There was something special about her. He didn't pry. He never would, because that might fuck it all up, and they had a good thing.

He wobbled his bike gently back and forth along the paved path as he set out, slowly at first.

"So what's been up in Karenville, lately? How's the job doing? Pissed off any of your neighbors yet?"