Laura recognizes that he's trying and she wishes there was a way to show that she appreciates that he is. Still, it does little to lessen the feeling that she's being padded for a much larger truth and everything he says is unconsciously taken in and looked at for any double meaning. It's unintentional and she feels like shit doing it, but there's a need to know. Perhaps to steel herself from how it ends up making her feel.

And then something unexpected slips out.

"Much like you aren't, right?"