Please, can we pretend we've never met? Start over?“ Nicholas looks at her the whole time, trying for the first time in his life to be open and honest, despite his fear of saying what he thinks. Leila sighs, ”Nicholas, we can't pretend we've never met. Too much has happened." Nicholas slumps his shoulders and looks utterly defeated. Sad, he nods, “I guess I deserve that.” Leila, “But on the other hand, you saved my life. So we can start getting to know each other. Just no declarations of love, that's too much for me. But we can spend time together.” Nicholas's head jerks up and he breathes uncertainly, “Really?” Leila nods, “Really.” He smiles, and she smiles back at him for the first time. Then he asks, “Can I hold your hand for a little while?” Leila sighs, but then remembers what he sai
