Martin looked up at Karl with a weary look.
"Why do you say it's because I love him? Does Steve not want my love, so he left without saying a word?"
Walton stared at the boy and he had the impression that the boy was really suffering. It didn't surprise him at all. Although Karl still didn't quite accept Steve's relationship with this young mechanic - almost now a driver - he couldn't deny that Martin had a real, sincere affection for Paxton. Karl couldn't help but respect him for that.
He sighed and sat down next to Martin.
"I've known Steve for years," he explained. "I knew him long before Hannah's accident. He was never too close to people. He never had many friends. Contrary to his image in the media, Steve is shy and he doesn't like people worrying about him. If he thinks he is becoming a burden to someone, the more he likes someone, the more he tries to isolate himself from that person. At least until it is no longer a burden. And he loves you very much."
