"And why can't it be?" James stood up and walked over to me, putting his hands on my shoulders and stopping me from pacing the room again.
"Because - because - "
"Because - of who am I?"" Because I'm a loser, like your brother?"
"No, I didn't mean that!" You are nothing like him. You're -" I stammered, unable to find the right words.
"I am what, Diane?" James asked, his voice rising.
"You're better than him." You've always been better than him. It's just that I don't want you to be with me solely for Eli's sake. Or because you believe you are doing the right thing and feel obligated to do so. We don't need to force anything, James."
"I'm not forcing anything, Diane. I care about you; I think you're incredible, and I want this to work. "I really mean it."
James was still clutching my
