The Names

by Florence Knapp

“Do you know the things I love about you, Lily? Really love?” She shakes her head. “Because, yeah, it’s true, I do love that you speak so many languages, that you know your way around European cities, that you’re my equal. Not even my equal; you’re better than me. But I also love the way you sleep curled up like a dormouse,” he says, mimicking her pose. “I love that when you send me letters, you sign off with your first and last name and I’ve never known why you do that, but I haven’t asked in case it makes you stop. I love that you add lemon to everything you cook. I love that in winter you keep those weird heated handwarmers in your handbag to give to homeless people. I love that I can pick you out in a crowd, not just by your hair or face, but by the way you move. I love that cats follow you home and that you think that happens to everyone—and it does, but not every day. Not every time they leave the house.” She is smiling, but he’s not finished. “I love that when I introduce you to someone, you know exactly what to say to make them feel good, even though you’ve never met before. And even though it’s not great for my ego, I love that they’ll come away liking you better than me. I love how your clothes are kind of drapey—I don’t know how to explain it, but the way your wrists look where they meet your cuffs, it’s sexy, and I love your ankles in summer when you’re wearing jeans, and the long bone that runs along the top of your foot.” She’s laughing now. “I’m serious. I k...