[ Trahearne leans forward, resting on his arms. Oops, was his book open this whole time? He looks down--luckily, no stains. He leans back and closes it as he speaks. ]

You're not going to. [ He smiles! ] I have faith in you, Beat. People are not straightforward things to deal with, but I believe you have the heart to make this work.

And besides. [ He puts his book back on top of the stack next to him and leans forward again. ] You have plenty of others at your back who are more than willing to help you navigate this.

[ not him!!! haha relationship experience 0 !!! ]