"That's true," Chuck says, head tilting to the side, and then laughs. "Don't know what I'd do with that money, either, but I'd figure it out. Or just leave it alone." There's always a good cause for something like that, at least. Maybe he could even ask Beth if she needs any instruments or equipment or anything like that. He could try to find something nice for Laura, too, though he doesn't know what, and the idea alone makes him feel suddenly warmer, as if his thoughts could somehow be apparent.

The truth of the matter is, he doesn't know what the two of them are or what they're doing together. He just knows that it's rare that he feels much of anything for anyone, and yet Laura has proven to be an exception to that rule. If there's anyone to talk to about it, it's probably, inexplicably, Beth, but he wouldn't have the first goddamn idea where to start.