"She has a hard time accepting help," Liam said quietly. "Growing up, we… we had to rely on help to get by. I didn't mind it much, but Jo…" A small smile tugged his lips as he recalled the past. "…she hated it. She's prideful, always has been. Do or die, she'd rather do it herself than owe someone."
Jeffrey nodded. He knew that part of her. Still, the way she shut him out stung. The way she trusted suffering alone more than she trusted him, hurt.
"She'll come around," Liam added after a pause, seeing Jeffrey in deep thought. "It's you."
Jeffrey frowned. Liam's tone was strange, like he knew something Jeffrey didn't. "What's different about me?"
Liam pressed his lips together, a conflicted look passing over his face. For a moment, he seemed on the edge of saying something, but then he sighed and let it go. He wondered if Jeffrey was bragging or something. He didn't mind, though.
