[He looks up when he hears her approach, and just for a moment, feels his breath hitch in his throat.
No— none of that. Not only was the prospect of anything more than friendship no longer on the table, it never should have been. It wasn't what she had been in search of that night, certainly, and not something he was ready to seriously consider again— if ever, after what he had been through. It had been a moment of weakness, or a series of such moments, reaching out to her again after she had left his apartment.
Was he fooling himself, thinking that even friendship could be achievable, after all was said and done? Perhaps. It may have been a foolish thought, indeed, but after all was said and done, he could use a friend. She probably could, too.
He would have to separate the memory of "Eva" from who Amelia actually was. The night they'd shared was something he would hold dear, because there were moments that had made it clear it was more to both of them than a way to pass the time— but that something more didn't necessarily have anything to do with the other person, and more with what each of them needed.
He chooses his words with care as he offers a cautious but genuine smile.]
You've gone above and beyond so far, as far as I'm concerned. There are friends I've known longer who've not taken such an interest in my taking care of myself.
[He slips his phone back into his pocket so that he can give her his full attention, turning in his seat to angle himself towards her.]
As it so happens, I make an excellent friend. I may have met Eva, but I've yet to get to know Amelia— and I would very much like to. She seems to have very good taste in both books and breakfast sandwiches.
no subject
No— none of that. Not only was the prospect of anything more than friendship no longer on the table, it never should have been. It wasn't what she had been in search of that night, certainly, and not something he was ready to seriously consider again— if ever, after what he had been through. It had been a moment of weakness, or a series of such moments, reaching out to her again after she had left his apartment.
Was he fooling himself, thinking that even friendship could be achievable, after all was said and done? Perhaps. It may have been a foolish thought, indeed, but after all was said and done, he could use a friend. She probably could, too.
He would have to separate the memory of "Eva" from who Amelia actually was. The night they'd shared was something he would hold dear, because there were moments that had made it clear it was more to both of them than a way to pass the time— but that something more didn't necessarily have anything to do with the other person, and more with what each of them needed.
He chooses his words with care as he offers a cautious but genuine smile.]
You've gone above and beyond so far, as far as I'm concerned. There are friends I've known longer who've not taken such an interest in my taking care of myself.
[He slips his phone back into his pocket so that he can give her his full attention, turning in his seat to angle himself towards her.]
As it so happens, I make an excellent friend. I may have met Eva, but I've yet to get to know Amelia— and I would very much like to. She seems to have very good taste in both books and breakfast sandwiches.