If only conversations like this didn't make her heart pound, didn't make her feel like running into the night and never coming back. She loves him, she really does, but she even told him during their conversation she didn't want to have to say so.

She uncrosses her arms, at least, sets one hand with her fingertips touching the tabletop. Her other hand goes unconsciously to her chest for a moment before she drops her hand.

"I want you to be. I do."

Why can't she settle for that? Why does the very idea scare the shit out of her? Why? Because being wanted like that means she has to stop being free?

"I just...I don't..."

She moves her hand over to touch his arm, lightly.

"It's like...one day I'll prove that I'm right that you shouldn't forgive me."

Sometimes a person makes an admission that they don't realize is so completely right and true until it comes out of their mouth, and it takes them by surprise. Take them so by surprise that even though a person like Tex doesn't ever, ever cry, her voice will quaver on the last word of the sentence like she's about to burst into tears.

She turns her back to the table, gripping its edge with both hands behind her, her head bowed slightly.