Rebeka looked back. “How are ya’, big buddy?”
“I’m no good, Rebeka—the worst.”
“What are you saying? Are you a serial killer or some other kind of sociopath?”
“Of course not. I’m just no good.”
“Are you a petty criminal, a liar, a cheat? Are you inclined to child abuse? Do you beat women? What?”
“No. Well, I suppose I’ve lied a few times in my life. What I’m trying to say is that you’re too good for me.”
“Is this your cowardly way of dumping me?”
“No, I’m trying to be honest with you.”
“Maybe you’re not aware of it, but feeling sorry for yourself is not an endearing quality in a man. So, if you’re looking for sympathy, you can forget it. If you’re trying to get me to dump you before we even get started, you might succeed.”
“So where does this leave us?”
“I’m going to the ladies room for ten minutes. I expect you to straighten your head out and grow up while I’m gone. I’m guessing that if you’re honest, you’ll realize you have absolutely no chance of doing that. So, when I return I expect you to be gone.”
Rebeka took her purse and jacket with her when she went. Jerry smiled, waited ninety seconds, and left.