You left out the part of Neals initial question when he phoned you.. "What ya doin?"... "Ummm mostly listening to you" (Neal had been talking/planning the rest of the days plans..)
And there I was between the two... looking over at Neal asking the questions of Steve, and then turning to watch Steves reply...
Hmmm .. So I was thinkin to meself sez I... they must be rehearsing a Marx Bros. routine or somethin....