A Fragile Thread of Hope

I watch the chatter around us drown out as Julian pours himself another glass of wine. The upscale restaurant's noise fades into a low, rhythmic hum. He studies my face briefly, cocks his head to the side, and asks a highly personal question.

"This is strictly off-work," he says, leaning forward and lowering his voice. "But have you maybe been with another woman since you lost your wife? I don't