[He takes this arm again, with little hesitation, but there is a pause as he thinks on what to say. How to start.]

Well, my friend, I hope you know that my hesitation when it comes to our likely future in the booth has more to do with me than you. I think it's time you understood why, so that whenever we do make that walk...

[He exhales.]

I don't want to feel guilty about lying to you.