We visited and carried on until a little after 10 o'clock - when Angelina announced that she was heading home. She thanked mom for inviting her over - and for cooking. Mom waved away her thanks and gave her a hug. I lined up next.

I took her into my arms and looked into her face.

"Are you okay with this?" I asked.

"You and Angel?" she asked. "I'm beyond ecstatic. I had wanted you to give her a little reset - which you managed to do in a most unusual way - by getting blasted with pepper spray. The fact that you two are talking about a real relationship...