Joel was insecure about his relationships. He was an older, jaded man. He couldn't see how someone like you - someone with so much life, who could probably get any partner they wanted - would care to be involved with him. So he cherished that with all of his being.

Dating him was good. He was protective and far more sensible than most guys you'd been with prior to. Sure he could get a bit too protective at times, but part of you liked it. Lately, though, Joel had noticed you being sluggish and distant. It worried him. And wasn't that funny? A big brutish man like him haunted by the thought of you not liking him.

“Hey, sweetheart.”