“And if that’s the case, then OK. I understand that, hell, I feel the same thing. Every time I look at one of my kids and say how bad I feel about missing a soccer game or that kind of thing—I don’t really, I could care less about that crap, I hate soccer, actually, but I detest lying to them. The act of it.”

“No, I agree. I’ve always disliked that part of this.”

“Not so much with my wife, because, well, I’m not sure. She’s an adult, I suppose, and can fend for herself, or maybe I’m just so used to it, after doing it so often over so many years that it’s actually become not just natural but kind of comforting, in a way. It warms me a bit, to look into her eyes and deceive her.”

“Oh. Well, I hope that’s not true …”

“That sounds bad. No, I don’t mean that I relish it or look for opportunities to do it, of course not. It’s just that it’s become a kind of ritual between us, even if she’s not really in on it. It’s a form of closeness, actually. I mean, I wouldn’t lie to just anybody. I guess that’s what I’m saying …”

“I think I understand.”

“Good. I’m not sure I even mean it, I’m just speaking off-the-cuff. You’ve got me all flustered here, what with the …”

“I know.”

“So, forgive me.”

“No need. I just … we sort of got off the track here, but you see what I’m saying. Why I had to say something.”

“I guess I do. Yes.”

“So …”

“… yeah. So.”

“I should probably get back.”

“All right.”

“And you? Are you going to … ?”

“I think I’ll still head up. I mean, I’ve done all the legwork here, might as well enjoy it. I can probably get some work done, maybe a round of golf or something. Or else I’ll come back early, take the kids to a movie.”

“That’d be nice. Weather’s supposed to hold through Sunday.”

“That’s good.”

“I hope the hotel’s nice. It sounded lovely …”

“Yeah, should be. I’ll cancel your treatments, at the spa there.”

“You sure? I can call if you …”

“No, no problem. I’ll take care of it.”

“Fine then. So, I guess I’ll see you …”

“When?”

“Oh, umm … I don’t know, actually. I just said that. It’s one of those things you say when you’re not sure what else to say. It’s filler.”

“Right.”

“I don’t know if we will. Or should, even. Not for a while.”

“Figured as much.”

“Yes. I mean, the way I’m feeling …”

“Uh-huh.”

“I think they just called for …”

“Yeah, I better get down there. What was it again?”

“Track Twenty-three.”

“Yep, that’s it. OK, so …”

“Take care.”