“Have you ever been married?” she asked.
“Yes,” he sighed. “If you want to call it a marriage. My wife was too needy. I had to end it for my own survival. I tried to teach her how to do things, but she would drop the ball every time. I think she grew up believing that helplessness was the way to get affection.”
Eleanor sat up straight in her chair. She knew their time was up, dinner was over. She didn’t want to appear vulnerable, so she thought she’d make him feel comfortable about leaving.
“Well, I’m so glad you could join me for dinner, but I don’t want to hold you up.”
John looked at his watch. “Oh, not at all. I should get back, though. Thanks so much for the delicious meal.”
“How are you going to get the bookcase into your house? Won’t you need help?”
“Thanks, but I can ask my n
