“Once you get to know me, I’m not so pretty, am I?” He looks flabbergasted. “Do you hear yourself talk? You have to stop. Yes, you’re beautiful. You’re smart too. Brilliant, even. I love our conversations. And you’re fun to be around when you let yourself off the hook for a moment. You make me laugh more than anyone. God, I’d love for us to work out. But you’re not ready. Tonight was another example of that.” Silence fills the room. In a way, she does feel freedom. He’s right. The worst part is almost over. There’s so much trying.
