We were sitting on my patio when,

“He said WHAT ?”, she asked; aghast. “I simply cannot belive that at all!” She set her plastic Solo™ cup down so hard that the bottom crumpled.

“I’m sorry”, I replied. I hated being the harebringer of doom. I looked at her for a moment, noticing the tears forming in the corners of her eyes. I touched her forearm.

She jerked away, as if I’d burned her.

“YOU….MADE….THAT….UP!” she hissed between clenched teeth. “You’re jealous and you made that up!” She swiped at her tears.

I sighed. She knew I hadn’t made up a thing.

“Listen”, I soothed. “I don’t think anyone believes a word he says, okay? I know that I sure don’t. Being forewarned is being forearmed… At least you know what’s going on….”

It was her turn to sigh.