That last point was debatable, but Luke didn't feel like debating it just now. It was an endless circle, one he could not be talked out of, but one which she had no context for. Indeed, had they been speaking of any other party, he would have agreed--everyone deserved a chance to be happy.

Except himself, because he knew what he'd done, and didn't have the plausible deniability of not having a window into their soul.

Still, while Rey was by no means a replacement for Ben, he could do right by her by not pushing her away. And not making assumptions. Opening himself up to what she needed. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he was certain this was some sort of excuse. Did it matter?

"That's a conversation for another time," he said with dry diplomacy. "But I've also little practice with others' happiness. You'll have to help me."