Alex Stern

"You're right," he says, finding the menu for the Indian place and setting it aside. "Can't believe I forgot." He's picked things up from there before, other nights when he happens to be in that part of town anyway--and sometimes, when he isn't--and for a moment he thinks about slipping on his shoes and heading out the door. But they're settled in already, the wine already working its way through his system, and the thought of leaving even for a short time seems a foolish one.

"Indian tonight, then." Menu in hand, he goes back into the living room, rejoining Alex on the couch. Taking the bottle from her once she's finished pouring her new glass, he tops up his own.