"Play the game, I instruct myself, give a little taste of what she wants to hear" (Conner, p. 45).

"One cut or more? That's the first thought to grab hold of my brain and give it a rattle. Was this charming little thing into self-mutilation, or shopping for a coffin" (Tony, p. 67).

"Those days, her hugs and kisses were warm as summer rain, washing away the hurt. The hurt was sure to fall again. We just couldn't guess exactly when" (Vanessa, p. 92).

"Players are easily played by better players, someone, for instance, of Conner's caliber" (Tony, p. 175).

"Just another day, trying to keep my head above water -the azure water I'm sliding down into now" (Vanessa, p. 269).

"See, I asked the man upstairs for forgiveness. He told me I had to ask you first. Forgive me, son, for not being a better father to you" (Tony, p. 300).

"My happiest...