[ Meanwhile, Rose is taking things slow and steady to win this race. Not that she... thinks it is a race or is too keen on 'winning' these days.

Still. What he's saying, it makes sense. To a degree. ]

I did that with Faith, [ she admits. ] Before, I just... never knew what to do? I'd just kind of like people and not say anything and think they probaly deserved better than me anyway.

But then she came along and. I don't know, dude. I didn't want to let that pass by like the rest.

[ Like a silk moth drawn to phoenix flame, Rose was smitten. She's had plenty of time to get over that loss and move on but she'll always remember. ]

But it blew up in my face and now I feel like I'm back to square one.