Robert released her hand and absently fingered the thumb ring on his right hand. “Um, yes…it does,” he said, but did not elaborate.

“Oh,” Eileen said and picked up her glass of beer. “I didn’t mean to pry,” she added, since it seemed obvious that he didn’t want to talk about it. She took a sip of her beer and set the glass down again.

Robert was lost in thought for a moment, but then realized what his statement must have sounded like to her. “Look,” he said and smiled again. “I didn’t mean to come off all secretive or anything, but…well, it’s a memory ring,” he explained. “It…it reminds me of those loved ones whom I have lost over the years,” he added rather quietly.

“But, that’s so sweet,” Eileen said and placed a hand gently on his arm. “It’s rare to find a man who can show genuine sentimentality like that.”

“Really?” Robert asked as he nervously turned the gold ring on his thumb.

“Absolutely,” she told him, and gave his arm a squeeze. Then she leaned in toward him. “I find that sexy in a man,” she said softly and added a gentle smile.

Robert gave her a slight smile in return. “Um, thank you…I guess,” he said.