[Robert may be terrible at reading expressions, but the plaintive look gets through, for once.]

... [Hesitantly:] I would love to go with you, Don. I... I just can't guarantee any sort of efficacy at... anything. [This is definitely bringing up echoes of his dreams, and it's uncomfortable because Robert's only vaguely registering them on the edges of his subconscious.

He fiddles nervously with his fingers.] ... I-If that is not a problem, then... then everything should be fine. Ostensibly.