* * *

“I... I came to apologise. I don't know what came over me. I was just so... so disappointed.”

“You were horny.”

“Please, Catherine, I didn't mean it.”

“You knew exactly what you were saying. Isn't it what this whole damn town is thinking? Listen, Paul, do you take me for a fool? You make a pass at me, and when I'm not interested you... you insult my father.”

“I didn't mean it. It's just that... I mean... Well... I thought we had something.”

“What is 'something'? We've known each other a couple of months. You come to visit, take me out to dinner once. Is that 'something'?”

“But I thought....”

“Whatever you thought, you got it wrong.”

“But when you kissed me....”

“So that's it? I was... it was... a moment of weakness. No, a gesture of gratitude... a way of saying that I do appreciate the support you've given me. And you tried to take advantage of that.”

“You shouldn't have kissed me.”

"What? I say thanks for something and you accuse me of trying to seduce you. What did you expect? Here? In this very room? Is that what you wanted in return for kindness?”

“Now you're being hysterical.”

“Is that what you wanted? Excuse me, Mr. Mangan, would you mind moving over? I want to-”

“That's disgusting. I only came to apologise.”

“Los Angeles airport is the most dangerous in the world.”

“Now look what you've done. It's alright, Daddy, it's alright.”

“How is he today?”

“Do you really need to ask? He's exactly what you called him. C'mon, see for yourself. Look. That's how he is. A vegetable.... My father is a vegetable. There's inspiration for you. Off you go and write about that.”

“Please, Catherine....”

“Won't that impress your literary friends? I can hear them already. Paul is so sensitive. He writes with such compassion.”

“I think I'd better go. I only came to apologise.” continue