“Raj!” says Cookie, trying to hobble after him in her towering heels and tight s

“Raj!” says Cookie, trying to hobble after him in her towering heels and tight skirt. He turns around at the top of the stairs, his determination to get as far away as possible undiminished by her doleful eyes and quivering mouth.
“Where are you going?” she says. “Have you forgotten we’re supposed to be having drinks with Bronwyn and Graham?”
“I’m going home,” he says. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you this evening, but I’m in no mood for socializing. I hope you’ll forgive me. ”
“But- I don’t understand!” she says. “What happened to make you so upset? What were you and Lincoln Porter talking about?”
“I’ll tell you tomorrow, after I’ve calmed down,” he says. “I’ll ring you, alright? Now, go back to your friends and enjoy the rest of your evening. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I just need some time alone.”
“Raj-” she says plaintively, but he is descending the stairs without another word or glance in her direction, and he doesn’t look back when he reaches the bottom, either.