No, she wanted the truth -- and there's relief in the fact that he doesn't turn aside from it, doesn't sugarcoat it for her sake, doesn't hide from what she already knows is there. There's relief and release in it . . . His words release her from having to hide from it in turn to be acceptable, to sugarcoat or reason it away for him.

In simple words, he's given her the freedom to be who she is and the warmth to say he still cares . . . she still matters. The release and the gratitude chase across her features, and though she's still unsure about ducking underneath his arm for a hug, her cheek tilts, pressing against the back of the hand on her shoulder.