"If… if you're willing to listen to some of my work rants, then I'll be happy to tell you, Chloe," Vernon said. He had a bit of doubt in his heart, though, and he wanted to ask that right now. "But I wonder, is it okay for me to open up to you? Will you… change your opinion on me?"
"Why would I change my opinion on you?"
"I don't know… maybe you'll see me as a weak man," Vernon admitted. "Tell me, Chloe, if looking at my vulnerability will only make you feel weak, then I'd rather never show my weakness no more. I don't want to make you feel like I'm not the right man to lean on."
Vernon felt that he had stripped himself of his man pride. He was a simple man who was weak in front of his beloved woman. This was the true self that he always tried to hide behind his imposing figure and intimidating presence.
