Parvati felt her heart start thudding when Michael turned his attention to Theo. She could tell Michael wasn't impressed with her for bringing him, exactly. Even though her cheeks turned a bit pink at that, she still lifted her chin just enough to give Michael a bit of a defiant look. He had to understand. She'd spewed more details at him than she had ever really shared, and though she didn't quite know why--alcohol, frustration, desperation--that meant he knew better than anyone what she was trying to accomplish with Theo. He knew better than anyone what it would cost Parvati if he messed it up.
But he hadn't yet. Michael still seemed willing to help, so despite the defiant tilt of her chin, there was still gratitude and humility in her eyes.
She didn't speak up on Theo's behalf, of course, because Theo had spoken for himself, and he could defend himself further if need be. Still, in a low, even voice, she said, "Change is hard. Reproducing the patterns of the past doesn't promote change."