"It's my experience in life that everything will get you hurt, one way or another," he replied, rubbing his hand up and down the short reach of Malcolm's side. "If she does that, then I guess I might be outta a job. Maybe I'll.. tend bar or something. Open a restaurant. Whatever I have to."

He wasn't giving this, Malcolm, up.

"Don't know that I've got any other marketable skills, but.." He gave Malcolm a smile. "The place looks great, by the way."