"I never meant to hurt you, Melinda. Never! Everything I've said… everything I've done… I meant it." He reaches for her, but she pulls back, wounded.
     "I know you didn't mean any harm, Wayne. Besides I should have known better. I knew you were married. I just didn't expect…" she trails off.
     "She wanted to come to show her support. She's a good woman Melinda. A good mother."
     Melinda looks up sharply.
     Reading her mind he says, "Yes, we have a small baby." He sees the reaction on her face and steps forward to comfort her. "Oh god, I'm so sorry! Melinda, I do love you, god knows I do, but I have a family. And I can't abandon them. As much as I want to…"
     "I'd never ask you to," she whispers. She reaches out and touches the side of his face, stroking it gently. There are tears falling on her cheeks now. "I love you, Wayne."
     She turns to walk away but he catches her arm and pulls her to him. He kisses her gently, one last time.

     When their kiss ends, he hugs her, burying his face against her neck. "You'll call me if you need anything right? Promise me you will, Melinda."
     She nods, the tears starting afresh. "Of course."
     "I love you," he whispers, one last time. She sees the glint of tears in his own eyes as he turns and walks away.
     "That's it then," she says aloud, rubbing her eyes as if that will stop her from crying. She flags down a cab and gives the driver her address. The moment she gets home she collapses into her bed and falls into a deep sleep.