The smile widened a bit. "He's protective."
"They all are."
"Yeah."
We stood there as the wind picked up.
"I saw you at practice this morning," Pickle said.
"I know."
"No camera."
"No."
"That's new."
"I'm trying to be different."
A pause. "Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah."
"Do you miss it? The camera?"
"Yes and no. I miss the work. I don't miss using it as a shield."
"A shield from what?"
"From being seen."
His eyes widened. "Oh."
"Yeah."
"That's pretty honest."
"I'm trying that too."
Another silence. Then Pickle took two steps closer.
Now we were three feet apart. Close enough to feel a pull.
"I'm not ready," he said quietly.
"I know."
"I'm not saying never. I'm saying not yet. Does that make sense?"
"Perfect sense."
"Good, because I don't want to fuck this up worse by rushing."
"We won't. I'm not pushing. I'll wait as long as you need."
"What if I need a long time?"
"Then I'll wait a long time."
