"I think we should be more careful," he said.
Riuku twisted his way through her thoughts, tried to push them down.... Does he love me, he's got to love me, sure he does, he just doesn't want me to get hurt....
And far away, almost completely out of phase, Nagor's call. "Riuku, another ship's gone. You'd better come back. Bring what you've learned so far and we can withdraw from the system and maybe piece it together...."
"In a little while. Just a little while." Stop thinking about Susan, you biological schizo. Change the subject. You'll never get anything out of that man by having hysterics....
"I suppose," Alice cried bitterly, "you've been leading me on all the time. You don't love me. You'd rather have her!"
"That's not so. Hell, baby...."
He's angry. He's not even going to kiss me. I'm just cutting my own throat when I act like that....
"Okay, Pete. I'm sorry. I know it's tough on you. Let's have a drink, okay? Still got some in the glove compartment?"
"Huh? Oh, sure."
She poured two drinks, neat, and he swallowed his with one impatient gulp. She poured him another.