When have I ever been impatient with you? When have you ever heard me say, Lexie, I can't deal with this right now? Name me one time I have dismissed you.

[ He sets the coffee aside. By miracle of the Maker, it doesn't topple off his side table. ]

I am sorry I have not turned out to be the - apostate you desired, with the ability to read minds. But you cannot simply giggle and smile and then run weeping from the room because I was not able to divine your needs.

[ By gestures towards Bastien, who's flushing and awkward and visibly miserable. ]

He's told me. I know when he's miserable, because he's made it clear to me. If you want me to tend to you, you need to fucking say what you need.

[ And then he looks to Bastien. ]

I am sorry. I am. You do not need to stay for this.

[ And then back to Lexie. With brimming anger, he demands: ]

Do you want me to work you? Manipulate you to be happy and content? Because I can. I've left scores of women behind who think they loved me because I made them feel warm and comforted and listened to. I can do that for you, too, if that's what you crave.

[ Because perhaps that's the worst part, the most maddening part. His awkward fumbling is all due to the fact that he doesn't want to play her. And now, what, he's too impatient. To imperfect. ]