Jessica didn't flinch or pull away from Annie. Instead she took a deep breath and pulled herself together a bit more. "Thanks," she said hoarsely and gave Annie's hand an awkward pat before standing up. "Maybe someday I'll believe that."

And now there were emotions. Ew. These were the things that Jessica tried to avoid.

"Look, I'm hardly one to be giving advice but whatever's going on here... don't sink to my level. You deserve better than that."