While Penny was able to maintain eye contact, Percy could not. At Penny's admission, he cast his eyes down, into his lap, where they remained for several silent moments while he maintained his exposure. He had to reach for his cup of coffee and take a drink before he could answer.
"That was a long time ago, Penny. Ten years. I do care about you, but..." He shook his head a little, leaving his sentence dangling. He didn't know what to tell her.