83: Conflicted

I blink several times as I try to think of something to say.

He grins and the corners of his eyes crinkle. In all honesty, I can't tell how old he is. He could be 35 or 60. His wife is in her mid-50s, so he can't be that much younger than her, or that much older. It's hard to tell. I'm still trying to get over the shock of my realization. It's like I had an epiphany.

"How do you do, Mr. Gallagher?" I finally ask with a smile on my lips. I'm breathless, but I'm trying not to show it. "I've heard so much about you."

I squeeze Damien's hand, asking for reassurance. Did I say the right thing? He didn't prepare me for this, at all. He only said I'd meet him, but I guess I should've anticipated this. Of course I would have to talk to him.

"Only good things, I hope." He says that with a small chuckle, but there's a trace of nervousness there. I think Damien notices it, too. He squeezes my hand back.

"Of course," I say, forcing a smile. Should I say something else? His wife is eyeing my dres