The Tangle but it was met with some disdain

girls - complicated. who would have known?

ingram scoffed a little - not at blixen, but simply at the statement -- it was true, and he understood it -- they were multifaceted, layered things, and no matter how much the boy learned he'd never truly understand how women -- or even, individuals for that matter, worked. not for lack of trying - he just didn't possess the mental faculties for such introspective examinations.

but blixen did -- ingram could tell she was sharp as a whip, and he slyly studied her features as she spoke. when she asked after his own girl his lips pursed and he offered a small shrug. "dunno. i'm not gonna chase after something that left me. if she comes around it'll be a day late and a hare short." 

those were tough words to come out of his mouth, and he said them with far more conviction than he felt.