Danny wanted to fold in on himself. He shoved the plate away and dropped his head to hide his face in crossed arms. "Why are you here? What do you want from me?"
"To get to know you. Just you, Danny Campbell. The you right now. The Danny from the past is gone." Bailey moved his chair closer and touched Danny lightly on the shoulder.
"I don't exist at all. Don't even bother."
"You're pathetic," Bailey said without malice. He sighed. "I've got to be leaving soon. The family thing, remember?"
Danny lifted his head. "Oh, yeah. I remember. I should thank you and apologize at the same time." He offered a weak smile. "Feel free to use the phone. There's a good garage on Fifth Street. I can drive you over to your family's house. Work shit can come later, so no biggie."
"Thanks, but you don't have to do any of that. I'm sure my brother-in-law will come get me."
"I know I don't have to, but it's either that or the bar again, and I think I'd rather do something less 'pathetic' for once."
Danny stood, grabbed a phone book out of a drawer and flipped through it. He set the book in front of his guest and tapped at a small ad. "Here. Max's. The phone's over there." He turned to go, but Bailey grabbed his wrist.
"Thank you," Bailey said again. He touched Danny's face with his fingertips.
"You're welcome." Danny tipped his face down and away. "I'd ... I'd better get dressed." He drew back from Bailey's touch. "Call your family too, if you want."
)
