"What's your last name?" I ask, suddenly realizing that I've never inquired before. He's never let it slip.

"Chavez," he responds quietly. "Is that news to you?"

"No, you've never mentioned it or said it. You don't share much about yourself," I say, shrugging. "I just thought it would be nice to know before I visit your family."

After that, he falls silent for a while. It's almost as if he doesn't know how to respond.

"Look, I don't want you to feel like you're in the ...