"Good," he says, "that's good," and seems to mean it.

"Don't think he likes me coming around, so." He gestures at the vid screen between them. "Even though I said it would be fine."

Duh, Gabriel.

It doesn't escape him that she tenses, especially when she blurts out the question. He shrugs; it's more of a ripple than a lift of the shoulders, but the intent is the same.

"'M always okay. Better, though - better than what? Better than I used to be?" He laughs, and it looks like it takes some effort to stop.

"Better believe it."