"It's not that at all, I promise," she told him, immediately on the defensive. He did nothing wrong, and making him feel bad for what was her own problem was something she didn't intend on. This was getting her nowhere. And looking down at him... She finally resolved to say something. This had to be put out there.

She sat across from him. "If you really want to know, then fine. I'll tell you. But promise me you won't say anything until I'm finished, deal?"