Claire slightly opened her hand so that he could let go should he choose, remembering how he hadn't always been so keen on contact. Briefly, her thoughts trailed to Gretchen, how she used to want this normal sort of behavior and touch between friends, loved ones, and how much easier it was now for her to reach out.

Licking her lips, she asked, "What did she say? Who was writing about you?" She felt defensive toward Jason, tough the story was already written. Were she a bird, Claire's feathers would have ruffled up in angry protest against any ill wording toward him.