Darcy shook his head lightly, avoiding actually looking at her. He was afraid of getting upset, or of the feeling of overwhelming panic coming back if she looked too concerned or too sympathetic.
He closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and then decided he was going to have to just plunge right in. "What did your mother say - about our meeting?" he asked her, a little rushed, as if he was afraid he wouldn't ask if he didn't ask fast.