We both laughed, the last of the awkward tension shaking loose between us… but only for a moment. After a few seconds, the room slipped back into silence. I eased into my chair again, let out a long breath, and nodded to myself like I was psyching up for a boss fight. I just wanted her to understand me, that was all.
"I'm honored that you feel that way for me, Mendy," I said finally. "You're a wonderful woman. Really. I'm lucky I met you. I kind of wish it happened under different circumstances, but… what's done is done, huh?"
"Yeah…" she murmured, tracing her finger around the rim of her glass.
"No hard feelings, right?"
She shook her head. "Nope. Honestly, I'm… relieved I finally got that off my chest."
"Thank you for saying it. Really."
