“Don’t call yourself that. You shouldn’t own that phrase. You’re simply someone trying to do the best he can with what he has. And succeeding, by the way.”
He smiled. “Thank you.” He gestured toward the small kitchen to our right. “There’s juice and snacks in the refrigerator if you’re hungry. I’m not a fan of coffee, but you can make tea or hot chocolate, if you’d like. Help yourself.”
“Thank you.” I made myself a cup of tea, grabbed some pineapple slices, and sat back down to watch Gregory work.
“Tell me about yourself, Wheeler. I can assume certain things from the way you dress and how you conduct your business, but I’d like to hear it all from you.”
“There’s not much to tell that wouldn’t disappoint you, I think.”
“Try me. I might surprise you.”
I told him about my childhood, how
