“What do you mean?”

She crossed her legs. “I mean that when Jared and I were just two silly high schoolers, you didn’t have to take our relationship seriously. But when we stayed together, in college and after, you started to get nervous. The more we gave up to be together, the more intense things got, the more you pulled away.”

Was that true? The thought was unwieldy, but it also sort of fit.

“You know you have to risk things to actually be in a relationship, right?” Lara asked.

Quentin laughed. “Actually, Jared said something like that to me tonight as well. He said that the smoothest road is the most boring one.”

“He’s right. But I’m not saying you should go completely off-road like Jared and I did either.”

“You literally threw a gyro at his head once.”

She winced. “Low point.”

He raised an eyebrow and she laughed, chagrined.

“Okay, okay,” she grumbled. “One of the low points.”

Lara stood and brushed off her immaculate skirt. “Look, we used to be friends, and when I walk out that door, we’re likely not going to see one another very much anymore, so let me just make a point. You’re awesome and funny and cool and shouldn’t compare yourself to Jared. It’s apples and oranges. In a good way. I’ve wondered for years why you never seriously date anybody. And I’m not pretending to understand your issues here, but if it’s because Jared and I made being with somebody look really bad, well, I just want to say that risking things—even, like, dignity—is worth it to be able to really connect with someone. It really is.”

He frowned at Lara. Maybe he hadn’t been as good at melting into the background as he’d once given himself credit for. She kinda had him pegged.

“Do you get what I’m saying, Quentin?” She pointed toward the front door. “That girl likes you. She does. It’s as clear as day. She flirted with you on the couch. She kissed your cheek when she left. Don’t argue with me.” She turned that pointer finger back toward him. “I know what you’re gonna say. You’re gonna make some argument as to why I’m wrong and you’re right, but guess what? You’re wrong. Listen and listen close. Sometimes all we see in ourselves are our worst failures, all the thoughts we’re not proud of, all the mistakes, all of our worst moments. And that makes us think that anyone who cares about us just doesn’t have the full story yet.”

He blinked at her. “I... Wow.”

“Am I checking any boxes for you?” She took a step toward the door and paused. “If there’s anything I’ve learned in this whole mess—” she nodded in the direction of Jared’s room “—it’s that sometimes you just have to listen to the people who care about you when they tell you you’re great. So, why don’t you give her a chance to tell you that you’re great? And when she does, listen.”