“You tricked me!â€? Maybe it was Joe’s bias, but Adam sounded like a whiny, bratty kid.

“You tricked me!â€? Kate screamed. “You made me think this was a real search for an apartment.â€? The tears that had been threatening to spill made good on their promise. “I thought you really wanted to move on to the next step of our relationship.â€?

“I did too,â€? Adam said softly, but didn’t try to defend himself. “I guess you’re right. I’ve had a problem with every apartment. Some were legitimate reasons, like the place that was too far from my work, but mostly – I just searched for things I didn’t like and made a big deal out of it.â€?

“So then the problem’s me? You just don’t want to live with me?â€? She was still crying a little, but the words weren’t sticking in her mouth just yet.

“No, Kate,â€? Adam sighed. “There’s nothing wrong with you.â€?

Truest thing he’s probably ever said in the whole time he’s known her.

“Well then, what?â€?

“I dunno. I don’t think I’m ready for the next stage of my life.â€?