'Sure, yes, of course,' she answers, gently taking a seat next to him. 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to rush you.'

Way to go, Alex. Just put your foot right in it. She feels like a heel, realizing what memories that line must have dredged up. She sits, curling her feet beneath her again, close but not touching him. It's hard to know what will set either one of them off, so she's all for taking it slowly, finding their way together. She clasps her hands together, and keeps them firmly in her lap.

'What do you want to talk about?'