"One day you'll be in Ross's place," she said.
He accepted the words quietly, knowing it was true.
Yesterday, that would have seemed like the most desirable thing in the universe, the height of happiness.
It seemed like a long time ago.
It meant nothing now but a heavy burden.
He sat thinking of Nanae after she had gone, of how he had longed to put his arms around her and draw her to him, kiss the soft mouth, run his hands through the long, glowing strands of hair.
He'd have to work first, work at changing himself, becoming the kind of person she could love. She would love differently and more deeply than the girls he had known. She would love with a passion and tenderness they'd never be capable of. That kind of love would have to be earned.
He wondered whether she'd be willing to go to Terra with him.
He got up and moved toward the bedroom. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day—changing things, making apologies. Feasting. Dancing. Going midnight swimming.
He realized suddenly that he was very happy.