My latest project is a short story that will be about the same length as Office Relations (10,000 or so words). With OR, I really felt like I knew the hero, Peter. Sean is the hero of the new story, and I don’t know him as well. He’s a little vexed right now too.

Sean: I’ve got an issue with you.

Lia: I thought you might.

Sean: Yeah? Well, my issue is that you want me to talk about my issues.

Lia: What’s wrong with that?

Sean: (Long pause.) I’m a man. I don’t want to talk about issues. I want to get on with it. That’s what’s wrong.

Lia: What do you want to get on with?

Sean: SEX. It’s bad enough that I’ve been celibate for six months.

Lia: That’s because–

Sean: It’s because of Chloe. I know. And you’re right–I do love her.

Lia: So?

Sean: So, now I’m stuck in an elevator with the woman I love and you want me to talk about my issues?

Lia: Everyone has issues, Sean. It’s part of the human condition.

Sean: Fine. You talk about them. I’ve got better things to do.

Lia: