The phone rang for a while before being answered. Amanda wasn't sure whether Richard always picked up immediately or liked to wait a bit, but she had a feeling that Richard didn't seem too happy at the moment.
"It's only because he's not home that I could come to see you," Amanda's tone softened as she tentatively asked, "Is Dr. Henderson upset because of this? Does he think I'm only looking for you to relieve my loneliness? That's why you're upset, right?"
On the other end of the line, Richard's breathing suddenly became heavier for a moment, then he quickly denied, "You're overthinking it."
"So, are we meeting tonight or not?" Amanda's voice carried a hint of disappointment. "If you really don't want to see me, then I won't come. I won't bother you."
Richard's voice suddenly became s
