"You should likely know that Merri most certainly could misread a kiss," Ari said, quite amused. "He is the type to second and third-guess everything. But you could probably manage to be rather persuasive. You're sweet and pretty and really much more the type he may need, unlike me." She couldn't help another laugh. "Believe me, he'll forget all about me in a week or two; there is little to fan the flame there, and I assure you, your way is quite open, if you decide to take it.
"Actually," she added, "I'll gladly help you out, inasmuch as I can. If you have no one to discuss such very important matters with, you can always reach out to me. Believe it or not, I am very good at keeping secrets." No matter what some people thought.