"Oh, come on. You don't need to spin words to make yourself sound smart; you're already smart. And you're awesome at your English classes," he added confidently. "Stop putting yourself down and accept it."
Sometimes Benson felt like part of his job was to try to reverse all the damage that that asshole Brian had done to Mallory's ego. Mallory had never been supremely confident, especially after being known as "Spaz Girl" as a kid, but it had gotten worse after being with her douchebag ex for so long. Benson wished that she was more sure of herself, but tried not to be a jerk by nagging her about it--except when she put herself down for things that she excelled at.
"My day was fine...hit some traffic on the Jersey Turnpike, but I mostly timed everything to be away from the major rush-hour traffic spots all along the way. And I'm glad that I can be down here for my birthday with you," Benson murmured. "I'll celebrate with my friends next week for Halloween weekend."