" "Two nice guys?" "No, too nice." "Two nice guys?" "No, too nice. As in for our own good." I nodded, understanding the words if not the meaning. But I think I was getting it. I downed about a quart of the nanochine drink, which is functionally equivalent to any real sports juice- lots of glucose, salt, and water. "Go on," I said, putting aside the bottle and slipping into the water. No burning. I smiled. "Do you have enough time for everybody who comes to you?" he asked. I scowled. "I wish I did." "There aren't enough nice guys, are there?" he asked. I shook my head. "Do you have to stop being nice?" I slid up next to him in the water, fishing an oxytab out and holding it. "No, I just have to decide who's really priority to being nice to." "I don't copy," he said. I smiled. I hadn't used that phrase myself in decades. "I... had to decide who was really important to me. The family, if you will. You. I'm a nice guy, but it's up to me to seek you out, if I care." "Like your friend, Nance." I nodded. "Do I sound harsh when I say I can't care about everybody?" He waved his tail in the water slowly. |