Chapter NineteenAs Paul's car approached the city, Rico said, “Drop me off at a joint called 'Buster's Café. You know it?”
“Yes.”
“I'm shocked.”
“I grew up near there,” Paul said.
“Shocked again. We coulda been neighbors. You moved out and I stayed.”
“Ironic.”
“What did your ol' man do?” Rico asked.
“Auto mechanic. He passed away a couple of years ago. Had a heart attack. Yours?”
“Worked in the steel mill but he always wanted to be an English teacher. Surprised?”
“A little.”
“Is that how you learned all those big words – that you only use with Jean?”
“We talked a lot.”
“Still alive?”
“Hardly.”
“What happened to him?”
“Not important.”
“I'm curious,” Paul said. “How long have you been with Jean?”
“A few years.”
“I was telling Evelyn she seems like a special person.”
“She i
