End of

“The right idea is that we’re mates and that’s as far as it goes! Is that OK with you?”

“Well I wouldn’t dare say no, would I, for fear you might come at me with a knife or something!” Mark did dare say.

“I don't have a knife, but don’t think you can dump me and get off with a blond bimbo or I’ll break your legs! Mates don't leave mates in the lurch!” Juliette’s final salvo poured more confusion on poor Mark’s confused countenance.

Then fortunately, Sarah interrupted them, bringing that particular topic and associated tension to a close.