Ally nodded, ordering salad and ice water for Moe. When the waiter left, his voice took a softer tone. "When I still lived with my birth mother, my stepdad was abusive to her. Me too, but especially her. He'd do the most awful things to her, amd I.was so young I could never do anything about it without fearing for my own life. Now that I can do something, I will.whenever I get the chance." He rubbed the back of his neck in embarassment, eyes trained to the table as the volume of his voice slowly decreasd. "I'm really not that brave, just impulsive and passionate about certain things. Like you. You're different, and I'd like to get to know you better. CanIHaveYourNumber?" He exhaled the last part all at once, worried Moe would reject his request. Boy, that'd be awkward.