Jo isn't surprised this one takes some time.
Or that Lee doesn't stand up to say it.
Or that she says no more, no less.





Mostly she feels the explosion of relief.




Because she'd have respected Lee's choice to say no.
But she can forget the whole concept of walking her out.
Of those long minutes trying to picture doing it without her.




For Lee, there's something of a grim smile. Her lips pressed together.
A tip of her head that is equal parts of respect and relief; less worried.