“That’s comforting …”

“Look, I don’t want this turning into some ‘thing’ here, standing out where anyone can see us, I really don’t. I’m telling you how I feel and I’m sorry if it hurts or you don’t like it. I can’t help it, I needed to say what I’m feeling.”

“And you did.”

“Yes, I did do that and I’m glad. Now we should probably …”

“What?”

“I don’t know, it’s just an expression. Well, not an ‘expression,’ exactly, but me trying to get the conversation going again. Started in some other direction.”

“Started?”

“Moving, then. However you want to look at it. I was trying to move things along in a positive direction. If I’m not going, then we should cash in my ticket, you should get down to the platform, that sort of deal.”

“Wow, you’ve got an answer for everything today. That’s great …”

“I’m just being practical. No reason you shouldn’t enjoy the weekend, I just don’t feel like it this time. I don’t, so I’m letting you know that, up front.”

“Well, not exactly ‘up front.’ No, that would’ve been Tuesday night, up front. Wednesday morning at the latest.”

“Right, yes, that’s true …”

“No, I think you’d have to go ahead and call this ‘last minute.’ What you’re doing here. Besides thoughtless and shitty and maybe even mean-spirited … I think this would go down as ‘last minute.’”

“I deserve that, so go ahead …”

“I don’t know if you do or not—deserve it—it’s just how this makes me feel.”

“I don’t think I should be taken to task for being honest …”

“No?”

“No, I really don’t.”

“Yeah, but I don’t get why. You keep saying that, that you don’t want to go and you have your little ideas about how we should proceed and whatnot, but you haven’t said why you’re …”

“Because I feel bad for him.”

“Oh.”

“That’s why. OK?”

“You feel bad.”

“Yes, I do.”

“For him? You mean him him?”

“Yes. My husband.”

“Got it.”

“See? And I don’t think that’s any way to slip away and start a weekend together, some illicit weekend with another person, by feeling all guilty about your spouse.”

“No, I … I suppose I agree. That’s … damn.”

“Yes. I feel the same way. ‘Damn.’ I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“I’m sure you didn’t, but …”