For a moment Joel says nothing, only studies Emily, then reaches over to take her hand again. He doesn't often initiate touch, usually shrinks away from it instead of leaning into it and he knows why he does. It's been hard, after the last person he tried to date, the way he was treated, but the people in his life now aren't like that.

"I don't... I don't make friends easily or well," he says. "But you've made it very easy. I want you to know that."