Have you always faked your orgasms?
Jesus, Nick, what a…of course not! Never.
Okay, he says. Okay. Then why did you say you faked one tonight?
She hesitates.
You know what? he says, hands up. Doesn’t matter. I can’t…I think we’re done.
What?
This is not why we come here, Jenny. To bicker, and poke at each other, and play mind games.
You’re breaking up with me? She’s shaking her head, uncomprehending.
It’s been great, he says. But tonight has revealed some things…maybe my instinct that something had changed these last few months…maybe this thing has run its course.
Should he be saying this? How can he not? She has hurt him. Seemingly on purpose. And hurting each other is definitely not what this is supposed to be about.
Fine, she says. Whatever you say. We’re done.
You said our time here is coming to an end, he points out. Isn’t that what you meant? That tonight has been too much for us, it’s shown that we’re not—
He is interrupted by a violent hammering.
She gasps.
He starts.
They both turn.
There it is again.
Sudden and explosive. Coming from the hallway.
Someone is at the door.
Part Three
Hello, Happiness
Nine
He moves swiftly to the foyer, almost racing there because this is it, someone has come for them, thank Christ this nightmare is over.
Should he grab his shoes? No, let the guy in first, he’ll give them time to get ready. He came to get them, after all, because it’s over, this nightis—
He flings the door open.
Nobody’s there.
The hallway is, as it always has been, low-lit, immaculate and empty.
What the hell? What—
He hears the violent pounding again. It’s so loud he jumps.
He leans out of the room.
