Creative Measures

Me: "I don't know how else to put this: [final hesitation before taking the dive] I've had a crush on you for the past 6 months now..."

Him [Pauses before he replies]: "I'm leaving for Italy in two weeks to meet with the parents of my betrothed."

Me [Pause] [Heart Sinks] [With a pained chuckle, replies]: "Well, that's one way to say 'no'."