Peter shook his head. "Physical contact is sometimes effective, but not necessary. And feel free to keep talking. It'll help you relax and open up your mind a bit. When you're nervous, the impulse to hide is automatic. The hidden stuff gets buried a bit deeper, and the more immediate threats are thrown into the forefront. Some people who have learned to shield against telepaths have trained themselves to think of other things when they're nervous. Poems, prayers... or really annoying songs in one particular case that I don't feel it necessary to mention."
Peter took one of the comfortable chairs beside her. "Why don't we start with you telling me what you do for a living? It's gotta be hard starting from nothing at 22."
While he sat back, he let his mind touch against hers, looking gently for a starting point.