"You chew them up and spit them out, you turn them into projects, Bobby. No one wants to be a project."

"I do not turn them into projects."

"Look, you can't be in a relationship with someone you don't respect, it doesn't work. Ever. And by knowing all the cards in their hand, as well as every move they're going to make... you suck all the fun out of romance." Alex sighed, and turned off the ignition. Her cellphone was on speaker.

"I take all the fun out of romance? I'll have you know I've had no complaints in the romantic department, Eames."

"That's.. not what I'm talking about, Goren. The women you date can't keep up with you, and that's not fair. To them. Or you, really." She pulled the phone out of its clip, and took it off speaker, pressing it to her ear.

"I date intelligent women, Alex."

"Be that as it may, they aren't on your level. Few people are. Trying to deny it won't help anyone. Not just during an investigation, but in every aspect of your life."

"I'm not an elitist."

"No, you're an equal opportunities provider. Maybe you just get off on proving to yourself time and again that you are smarter, and that's why you date women who can't possibly keep up, despite their other strengths." She sat back in her seat. There was silence for a moment.

"Just because you keep pace with me doesn't mean other women can't."

"That was left fucking field, Goren. And that's not what I said."

"But it's what you were thinking."

"I'm thinking that I would like to see you happy. With someone you can actually talk to instead of just fuck."

"Someone like you."

"You're wasting your time on them. And don't try to analyze me, Bobby. I, unlike the whores you take home with you, demand respect. Just accept that I think, as your friend and partner, that you can do much better, and deserve much better."

"Thanks, mom."

"Fuck you." She snapped her phone shut and ignored its almost immediate ringing. She stuck it in her purse and got out of the car.