He pressed his palms to his face, groaning.
"Gosh, I'm getting mad at myself just talking about this. I know I shouldn't change myself for anyone. I've given that advice to people before—'be yourself, don't let anyone tell you who to be'—and now here I am, changing the one thing that's been me for a decade because my boyfriend made one comment and I spiraled."
His hands dropped, revealing red cheeks and frustrated eyes.
"I can't explain it. I don't even know if I'm explaining it. It sounds stupid. It is stupid. I'm being stupid—"
"Jay." Bella crossed the space between them and placed her hands on his shoulders, steadying him. Her heels made her almost as tall as him, her face level with his. "Jay. Look at me."
He met her eyes, still flustered, still uncertain.
