Laurel nodded. "No, I understand. That was good of you. I just wish I'd been a little braver, that's all. Because I do want to see you and talk to you..." Which brought them back to the other portion of the conversation.
She nodded at his question, going a little pink around the ears because she couldn't bring herself to say it. She listened to his response and felt a little bad for not being as brave as him or as willing to break away and live for herself.
"I've known since..." She stopped to think. "Always?" She dropped her eyes to her hands, her shoulders slumping a bit. "But it's been easier to pretend."