“What do you mean? Of course I love you. Why would you think otherwise?”

“I didn’t mean anything by it. Just been tired lately and, you know, I say things I don’t really mean. You know how it is — what?”

“I know, I know. It’s just hard sometimes. But I didn’t mean it. Not like that.”

“Please don’t say ‘always.’ You know we have good times too.”

“Don’t bring mom into this.”

“Look, you know I had to work late that night.”

“I couldn’t call — I was busy!”

“Yes, the whole evening!”

“Look, let’s talk about it later. I’ll be home soon. Let’s talk then. Not over this stupid phone. Face to face.”

“I didn’t mean it like that! How many times do I have to say it?”

“Look, honey.”

“Well, you’re still honey to me. Listen, let’s go out this weekend. Someplace nice.”

“I know it won’t make up for it. I just want to spend some time with you.”

“Come on, you know I mean it!”

“Really, honey, really. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved.”

“I didn’t mean to be distant. It’s just work and all…… I haven’t been sleeping well ….. a lot of stress…. just a lot of things.”

“I love you, honey……… honey?”

“Can we make up? Please, please, please?”

“I know. I know that. I’m going to cut back. I promise.”

“I didn’t mean to sound upset. I really didn’t.”

“Well, wherever you want. You pick the place.”

‘”Sure. Sounds great.”

“Sure. Can you wear that black and white dress? You know the one I like.”

“Thanks, honey. Be home shortly. We’ll put all this behind us. I promise. It’s really just a misunderstanding.”

“No, I’m not trying to minimize it! Look, we’ll talk when I get home. Okay?”

“Okay, honey. See you soon.”

Hanging up the phone, he glanced out the window.

She knows, he thought.

REX ALPHIN of Walters is a farmer, businessman, author, county supervisor and contributing columnist for The Tidewater News. His email address is rexalphin@aol.com.