DANNY'S IS BACK TO being uncomfortable as soon as we enter the room and have a few feet separating us. I set the wine on the table and take the cake from her.

"I need a few minutes," she tells me as she turns to the bathroom door.

I snag her hand and she looks back over her shoulder. "Wine, dessert, and only as far as you want to take this. I'm glad you're here, but there's no pressure."

The panic in her eyes fades a bit, and then she gives me a grin that goes ...