[He'll take that small curl as encouragement enough. Even if he does briefly grip her shoulder and give her a half shake.]

I won't have you sell yourself short where I can hear you, Christine.

[It is... interesting, that Jeremy would claim to have feeling for her, yet spurn her all the same. He makes a note to have a conversation with him at a later date. For now -- ]

He could be afraid. We all watched someone we cared deeply for die. Two someones, never mind everyone else before that. We're all coping in our one way. Maybe this is his way?