Jake has been watching the most godawful movie on the huge flat screen for the last half hour, and I can tell he’s bored of it. He’s been channel-hopping, messing with his cell and laptop, and shifting position on the couch about a hundred times. He’s restless.

I’m reading one of the proposals for a small start-up Jake asked me to consider, and I’m fully aware he’s been avoiding conversation. I know that look on his face, a little wary and a little unsettled. He’s still unsure that we’re okay, but I’m letting him stew by carrying on with work and avoiding chatter.

“Let’s go running.” His listless tone drags...