The trouble began during dinner when she began to talk about her week.The trouble began during dinner when she began to talk about her week. "I don't know if I should tell you this..." I waited patiently. Amy does that a lot. Translation: I'm going to tell you about this man I went out with, because you're my _friend_. Then she paused, lowering her eyes. "You know, there's this guy I met a couple weeks ago...", and she stopped. I waited for her to finish establishing the line between us. Early on in our friendship, we had crossed that line on a couple of occasions, much to her current anxiety. Subsequent discussions revealed that while she had no regrets ("I was feeling very close to you..."), she worried about my current interpretations and plans. "OK, I met James a couple of weeks ago, and we went out. I had fun, he was pretty cool, and so I went out with him again..." Amy gingerly dragged out the last word, watching me for a sign of despair. I stayed calm. "Well, the next time we went out, that second time, he gave me this." She pulled at the heart-shaped cameo pendant attached to a gold chain that she was wearing. It had diamonds around the perimeter. "They're real. I checked.", she said, causing my eyes to bulge and my heart to sink slowly. Amy quickly resumed her story to prevent me from committing suicide with a steak knife. She explained how flattered she had been, but how she had tried to explain to the guy that it was only two dates, and she wasn't thinking about any long-term commitments. I listened, externally impassive, heart somewhere around my knees. I heard what she was saying, however, which was the cause of my discomfort. Translation: "See, you're not the only guy who's nice to me and does stuff for me and finds me attractive." Fine, it's nothing new. Unfortunately, later that evening Amy dropped the bomb. "Can I stay here until I have heat and light in my place? It's so nice and warm here. I trust you." It was definitely going to be an uncomfortable night. I only have one bed; big enough for two, but she trusted me to sleep with her and keep my body to myself. I should have said no, but one look into those gorgeous bright blue eyes stunned my common sense into silence. |