When he opened his eyes the next morning, Neil found Albert sitting in a chair, staring at him. “I owe you an apology,” Albert said.
Neil sat up. “I’m sorry I screwed up. And…” And for not giving Albert the benefit of the doubt, but dammit, he still thought they could have offered him more to go on.
“Not your fault.” Albert shook his head. “It was your first day out on your own. You were shaken by the earlier incident, and it was our failing for not preparing you for that. The encounter with your ex-boyfriend was a lot for someone to handle on their very first time flying solo. You handled yourself admirably under the circumstances.”
“Thank you.” It was all Neil could do not to cross the room and throw himself into Albert’s arms, but the distance was probably best to keep a clear head.
