Brenda started crying, and it was a miserable sounding cry. It took about a half minute before she could pull herself together enough to say, "You're right. My life is shit. I'm sorry for being such a bitch. Are you just calling to remind me I was a bitch?"

"Actually, I might be able to offer something to take you out of the shitter."

"Not another blind date. Do you know how many men actually want to date a woman with a screaming five year old?"

"Not a blind date. A job of sorts. I'm inviting you to my parents tonight at six to discuss it. Chinese food will be...