give me a life time of promises (open)

Loren shook his head slowly. ”I’m not really the one you need to apologize to.” The words still came out softly and without a reproachful or scolding tone. As Maea brought up the possibility of love, he barked out a humorless laugh. "Yes, well, I imagine that will be a little difficult for me to pull off these days." The words were bitter and guilty, and he bit his lip almost immediately. "Sorry. That was...sorry." Kneeling down, he hugged Astra, suddenly needing the comfort that his companion was always more than willing and able to provide. "Sounds like you've got something on your mind." Not quite able to meet the woman's eyes, instead he stared steadily out towards the ocean. LOREN Not quite an open book