Bill made a show of thinking about it, and shook his head.

"Not once that I can recall."

He grinned, then held up a finger.

"Oh, except of course for the time y'helped me pass algebra. An' the once when y'helped me with my science project. An' of course you kept the seat next t'me warm on every grade school field trip we went on."

His grin turned into a warm smile, and then he turned his head as the waitress returned to take their order.

Bill put in for the chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes, and, reluctantly, included the veggie medley with his order.