She saw how wired he appeared, tried to dodge it. Something was brewing bigtime with him.

“Want another coke , Tris?” He’d had three, fairly average for him.

His left hand pushed back his long hair. “Yeah, I got tons to say--and can’t get started.” He lit another cigarette, stalling for a right way.

“You know you can tell me anything, Tris.” Her face glowed love and trust.

He swallowed past the dryness in his throat. “Delane, I need to make some new plans. Quick.”

The long pause pulsated threat. When he didn’t continue, she twisted the napkin by her plate a little harder, deciding to steer him. “You want us to try something new? “ Her laugh was soft, hopeful. “You know how you’re always surprising me. Always something new with you. Always fun. Kinda hard to keep up, you know. But you know I love it. Just like I love you.”

Why cant' I stop rambling? She smiled too hard, clutching the napkin.

Tris laid his right hand over hers. “Delane, this has to do with my own situation. Not about anything wrong with you."

“Let’s get you your coke--You look really thirsty“, she postponed.

After the waitress brought it, he gulped about half before launching his news.