He also stood up. “I hope you can make it.” She said that she did, too, and they both knew what was going to happen. Robert Holton came back and Caroline left.
“That’s a pretty girl,” said Trebling.
“Caroline? Yes, she’s pretty nice.”
They stood looking at each other awkwardly. “Shall we get together tomorrow evening?” suggested Holton.
“Sure, that’d be fine.”
“Well, listen, Jim, it’s been wonderful seeing you....”
“And I’ve enjoyed it....” Their voices intermingled into a single sound. Neither of them listened to the words of the other.
“See you tomorrow then, Bob?”
“See you then.” They said good-bye and Jim Trebling left the office. As he stood in the reception room waiting for the elevator he felt sad at the way Holton had changed. It was such a shame because they had once been very close. Then Jim Trebling thought of Caroline and he felt happier. The Carolines were the important things.
The elevator door opened and he stepped inside.