"I might could have." But Dan knows he didn't. He doesn't bring this sort of thing up often, so it's easy for him to remember whom he's said what about his past to. "I appreciate the offer. You know, visiting you might could be enough to get me to come back to this town once I get out. Just to visit."

It's an idle promise, something Dan isn't considering seriously because he doesn't consider his future seriously, but if there's anything that'll bring him back to this town, it's Aster. Not even the promise of Aster's welcoming home, but Aster himself. Dan hasn't run into many people he wants to spend time with like this, even if it's just his boss - and what a strange situation, one where he likes and respects his boss instead of resenting the authority of their position.

He doesn't consider that Aster's being too forward. Dan's doing a good job and takes pride in his work. He's timely and professional. If Aster's hard up for reliable, trustworthy help, it stands to reason that he'd always keep a space on the metaphorical payroll for Dan. It doesn't mean that Aster wants anything more than the ability to retain an employee, he tells himself. It doesn't mean Aster's interested in more than this.

"I see it," Dan says, getting up and killing his cigarette. "Operation Bait is a go."