Oh, you offer to hug me, but now you’re trying to get rid of me. I see how it is.

[She's kidding. Using humor to soothe her nerves and cover all the feelings that are bubbling up under the surface.

She mentally files away the hug rain check, appreciating that he’s giving her space to figure out for herself what she wants. She might take him up on it. Someday.

For now she sips her coffee thoughtfully and then clutches her mug closer as she starts speaking again.]

I will go look for her, and I am taking the coffee with me. I like the salted caramel chocolate.