Thank you ? Thank you ?

After his previous tongue tied encounter with Laura, Dave felt like an idiot. The next day he left for work early to avoid her. Later that night, he decided to text her. "Sorry I acted weird yesterday. Should be around for a walk 2morrow." She replied, "Apology accepted! Will call u if I am up on time".

So today, shortly after 9am she called, she was on her dog walk, would he join her? Of course. He had been pondering what to say to her for hours, had written a little speech and memorized it. So, after they had walked a little bit, they stopped to let the dogs play. Laura was prattling on about something but finally he managed to get his turn.... "Laura, the reason I was acting weird the other day is that I wanted to say something, and could not get it out. The thing is, I have a BIG crush on you. I think you are fantastic. Not just attractive, but great. And yes, I know you are committed to "other guy" but I felt I needed to tell you, to clear the air."

Laura was looking at her dog. She simply said "Thank you". Kind of like maybe she was thanking the dog for bringing the ball back. He wasn't sure. She did not say anything like "You're a nice guy but..." or anything like that. No "I'm sorry but ..." Just that one "Thank you". No hug. No nothing. It was just like he had said "You've got a great ass" and she said "Thank you". They talked for a few minutes about other things. Then he got a phone call and had an excuse to leave. He felt awkward, sorry he said it. And desparately disappointed in the minimal reaction he got, after all his pondering about what to say. But relieved it was out.

Now he could move on. Or could he?