you 're not ... in the thick of things , usually . '' his grip loosened , but he did n't let go . he reached behind his back and drew her closer . and he never gets mad , you know ? i figured that since i already knew that part of the trip , it would not cause you any harm to have me ride that length . it was pink , and smelled sweet . i should and did not mind , knowing the way a long hard afternoon can sometimes take you beyond the point of even blackberry cobbler . 