It seemed even self-depreciating jest rankled her. Honestly, she was an impossible woman to deal with. Rahul kept his irritation to himself, comforted by the fact that she appeared to be an exception of sorts. There were many women who found him pleasant in this town, and the Muse had been a breath of fresh air. It was because of her he was sitting there, taking her disapproving little scowls that chipped away at his patience more and more.
"It sounds very much like you are only taking me as a courtesy," Rahul said, "If it is your preference I not attend, Jesse, that is your prerogative. You are in control, here, not me. If you feel that I would somehow embarrass you, or make you uncomfortable in front of the doctor, then I will not go."
Rahul paused, mostly to marshal his annoyance and take a sip of coffee, eyes moving down briefly.
"I am interested in going," Rahul said, "Very much so. But if the idea inspires you to invite me to a coffee house to call a truce, Jesse, perhaps it would be best if I kept my distance."