“I know you think I come on a little strong, but it’s the nature of the beast,” he said with an apologetic shrug. “I forgot how to pretend a long time ago. When you’ve heard as many life stories as I have—the mistakes and the regrets, the missed connections and wasted opportunities—you learn to just go for it. I like you, and I like your family. I’m interested in seeing more of both. I don’t see any reason to pretend otherwise.”
