Nina's admission arrived through our evening call without becoming a conclusion about her orientation or Thea's interest. Another adult requesting Thea's time had made possible loss feel personal, and she did not know what category contained the reaction.
"Do you want me to listen, clarify, or help plan a conversation?" I asked, keeping my excitement outside the available options.
"Listen because you look hopeful, plus that makes this harder," Nina replied after watching my face carefully.
I admitted hope had appeared because attachment between them made my desired structure look more possible. The reaction centered my outcome before Nina had even understood her own feeling.
"I will keep it out of your answer," I said, protecting her uncertainty from becoming good news for me.
