"And if you don't, that's okay, too," I tell him, still frowning down at my hands. "I'm probably just projecting or whatever that's called. I'm really sorry," I say again before wincing slightly. He's probably tired of hearing that by now and he did say it's okay. Even if I'm not sure it really is.

Thomas is one of my absolute closest friends here and I've managed to upset him. On Thanksgiving, no less. Goodness, what timing.

"You shouldn't feel pressured into anything at all. Nobody should." Glancing up, I notice a few abandoned plates on the table and see my out, keeping my head ducked as I stand. "I'm gonna go get a head start on cleaning up, I think. Those dishes are definitely not gonna wash themselves."