"Your loss," he said, "I bet I could get at least twenty push-ups from you if you let me."
He nodded at her. His slice was demolished, as was his beer, and she had made a lot of sense.
"I think a well-placed apology'll fix things," he said, "And nah, no deadline. Honestly, Lou, even two years later I think it's just too soon to even think about going past friendship. That woman ripped my guts out. If I can remember to keep things in two separate categories, I think I'll uncomplicate the hell out of my life."
He laughed when she made her crack about being reasonable.
"Your secret is safe with me," he assured her. Gus considered a moment and then raised his eyebrows, spreading an arm out in the universal initiation of the Buddy Hug, "I'm a hugger. That's my secret. Even exchange?"
Hell, she'd helped him out probably more than she realized and she'd made a cake. She deserved a hug.