John laughed shortly. "Well, I wouldn't call it amends, but we can be at least cordial to each other," he said. She glanced at Isabelle, noticing how her demeanour had changed. "I really have been trying to be better," he added, his voice lower. "I can't say I will ever be all the way normal, but I'm trying." Her good opinion of him suddenly mattered very greatly. He'd forgotten about the boyfriend and all the other people in the room. He just wanted to be able to take her hand and have her look at him like she used to.