"You called me."

"Good point."

"So?"

"You said twenty minutes. You think you can make it fifteen?"

Click.

She hit the redial button before the dial tone had even returned.

"It's probably not a good idea."

"You coming over."

"We about to make any other stupid mistakes I don't know about?"

"What if I hadn't called back?"

"I was counting to fifty. Then you would have had a hell of a lot of explaining to do when she came home."

"She doesn't have a key."

"But I thought..."

"She said the last time it was too much too soon. But the truth is, I haven't offered her one."

"And you say...?"

"I'm beginning to think anything is too much."

"That's harsh."

"I'm not feeling particularly charitably inclined tonight."

"Tell me something I didn't know ten seconds into our conversation." Pause. "Is that what this is about? Tonight, I mean."

"Your high opinion of me is astonishing."

"I just want to know what I'm dealing with."

"Fair enough. Wish I could say."

"You still want me to come over?"

"Yes." Pause. "No."

"Yeah... me too."

"Carter's looking awfully dapper of late. You take him shopping?"

"Carter has a personal shopper."

"And you hold that against him."

"I don't trust anyone who's never wanted."

"For...?"

"Anything. Whatever's there, the world entitles him to."

"That definition would include yourself."

"Maybe."

Silence. "I think I'm jealous."

"At least he's willing to go to dinner with me."

A sharp intake of breath. "I guess that makes us even, huh? For the lies."

"Guess so."

"You sound like me."

"Yeah?"

"And I sound like Kerry."

"And?"

"And I don't much like that right now."

"Then do something about it."

"Such as?"

"Come here."

"If I hang up now, should I count to fifty before leaving the house?"

"I'm not going to change my mind."

"Sed mulier cupido quod dicit amanti, in vento et rapida scribere oportet aqua."

"What?"

"Nothing. Just another way of saying you don't give me much credit."

"Trying to call it like I see it."

"That one puts you ahead."

"Don't lie to me again."

"What other lie could I tell, Abby? I can't even lie to myself anymore."

"So tell me the truth."

"Which is that on any given day I love her but want you. Or is it I love you but want her? I don't know what the truth is, to be frank. I just know I can't..." Her voice trailed away, lost.

"Where is she?"

"Tonight?"

Prodding silence.

"On shift, I guess. I didn't check her schedule. She may be at home for all I know."

"And you called me."

"That I did."

"Then maybe that should tell you something."

"All this introspective conversation is shooting my composure all to hell."

"Kim..."

"Abby..."

"I'm willing to agree to whatever terms you offer. But you have to offer."