Unable to combine items

[Blue.EXE]

Was trying to get the chain smoker achievement.
Was at the beginning and doing the Lighter combine with cigarette pack then answering the phone to make her drop it. Did it about 3 times before she couldn't combine them any more and would just comment on what they were. Thought I would just advance the story a bit to see if it would snap out of it. But couldn't open the case listing.

Managed to snap out of not being able to read the listing by leaving through the door and coming right back in. But still unable to use or combine items. Going to try and start a new game I guess.

Just thought I'd give a heads up about that.