“Grandmother,” he says, “let me introduce you to my friend Tali.” She peers up at me. “Well, well, well,” she says. “This one’s much prettier than Ella, isn’t she?” Hayes laughs quietly, holding a chair for me and taking the seat on the other side. “Yes,” he whispers, “but you’re not supposed to say that aloud.” “I’m old. I can say whatever I’d like,” she replies. “And how did you manage to find this fine young specimen?”
