David caught sight of the strange look materializing on Keith's face. "Look, we're all pretty tired. I think it's a good idea. Then we can start fresh in the morning."

Elaine gaped at him.

"Oh come on, Elaine," Janet chided. "Now you're going to tell us you can't spend the night in the motel with David because it's against your religion." She leaned over to Keith and whispered loudly in his ear, "She's one of those religious types. This God of hers doesn't want anyone to have a good time. Can't drink, can't date, can't do anything."

Keith gave Elaine a look of scorn. "Religion is for little old ladies in their flowered hats. Don't tell me you're that old-fashioned, Elaine." He glanced over at David. "I thought your girlfriend was cool, David. Now I hear she's some sort of far right religious fanatic? Who've you gotten yourself hooked up with?"

Elaine grabbed her purse and without another look, left the restaurant. The wind bit hard through the jacket she wore as she paused to catch a breath of cold air. "Oh God, how could I have been so stupid? I let myself get wrapped up in a relationship that I'm just not ready for. How can I get out before it's too late?"

Footsteps in the snow interrupted her. "Elaine, come back inside," David called. "It's too cold to be out here."

She shook her head. "I've got to leave. There's no way I'm staying in some motel."

"Elaine, c'mon. It's not like we're gonna..."

"No, I can't. It isn't right." She hands flew in exasperation. "Look, I can't go on with this relationship, David. God is too important to me to let this continue. I wish you could understand what I mean when I say we can't be together."

His boot scuffed the snow. "I don't understand, not one bit. I don't understand how God can keep you away from me and make you into some sort of brick wall with a sign that reads - 'Don't come near me unless you're religious.'"

"I'm sorry, David, but that's who I am. Please find someone else who will give you what you want in a relationship."

David stared at the ground. He continued to mound up the snow with his boot until he kicked it, scattering the flakes into the wind. "Elaine, I don't want anyone else. Look, I won't try and change who you are. If your religion means that much to you, I'll respect it."

"But I can't go on like this. I-I need space. I'm just not ready for a relationship right now."

"Well, what about a friendship? Can we just be friends?"

Elaine thought for a moment, then shook her head. Friends meant the tension in her heart would still exist, as well as the attraction. A part of her wanted to stay with him, while the other warned that she could overstep that boundary of friendship when she least expected it. "No...."