You shouldn't be in love with me. [ he says it without thought, like a reflex reaction. ]

You should tell him it's fine. Go on that holiday he wants. You know he can give you everything. It's not like he ever has to find out about this. I'm hardly gonna tell him over a pint am I?

[ Yet even as he's making this suggestion, one of his hands is reaching out and actually seeking out Nate's. Of his own accord, he grips his hand, and threads his fingers between his. ]