"Maria has an earache, but it's getting better. They're fine." She gave him an encouraging look.
"I made something for you—a present."
"Oooo . . ."
"I was going to mail it, but I didn't want to embarrass you."
"It's been a long time since I was embarrassed."
"It's a valentine."
"Now I'm really curious," she said. What am I doing? he asked himself. Too late now. Francesca rubbed the end of her nose with her palm. "You could bring it to me next Sunday."
"Yes. Oh, damn! I'm leaving on Thursday; I won't be here."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to Hawaii. I'm going to try and find my father. I've never met him. He's Japanese. I am too, I guess. Half."