Re: Robert and Dora
Of course, none of this was the sort of trouble he'd been referring to initially, but it was better, he supposed, to focus on the literal rather than the slightest hint of innuendo that might have been implied earlier. She was an attractive woman, but it was obvious that she was a mother first, and he knew--even without putting it to conscious thought--that it was something he would have to put deep consideration to before pursuing. And not just her, but any single mother. It just wasn't something he was ready to consider, still caught up in the depression of his diagnosis at times.
"You mean to say your brother tolerates you?" he asked teasingly, his own face showing a light flush from the crowd and the drink now. "How did you happen to be neighbors with your brother, anyway? If you don't mind my asking," he added.