"It is delicious," Matthew said enthusiastically.
She speared a few vegetables, chewed slowly, put down her fork, and took a long drink of wine, all the while watching her husband's hurried consumption.
"Matthew, can you slow down? Please, can't we enjoy our dinner together tonight?"
"I'm sorry, honey. It's just that, you see, I've got more work to do," he said, then tentatively added, "for the trip."
"What trip?"
"Tomorrow. New York. I told you I was meeting with Harrell on
Monday, didn't I?"
"No, Matthew, you did not."
"Hmm. Funny, I thought I said something. Sorry. See what I mean.
I'm so overwhelmed these days."
"Matthew, you're changing in unpleasant ways. And there's nothing funny about it."
"I beg your pardon?"