Not the love of his life.
He didn't spell it out, but everyone listening understood.
Derek's brow furrowed deep.
"Robert, you can't have it both ways. Keep this up, and you'll end up with nothing."
Robert flashed a confident grin.
"Derek, you don't get it."
"A man's got to be a little greedy. Otherwise, what's the point?"
He lit a cigarette, entirely pleased with himself.
"Virginia's always been sensible. She only cares about her research. Jealousy, possessiveness, none of that's in her nature."
"Vivian's different. She's soft. She leans on me, needs me. With her, I finally understand what passion feels like."
A smug smile crept across his face.
"A man has different needs. That's just how it is."
"And your duty to your country? No regrets?"
Robert's expression tightened.
"If I can't even protect one woman, what business do I have protecting a country?"
"Everyone has regrets in life. But Vivian is the one regret I refuse to carry."
Derek shook his head and said nothing more.
I'd heard enough. I turned and walked home in silence.
I thought about the first time I met Robert Weiss, at an academic conference in Boston.
He was on stage giving a presentation. The last slide of his deck read: