[Now she wishes she hadn't finished off her tea quite so fast, because it had been nice to have something to hide her faux pas behind. She twists a curl around her finger. Her cheeks must be burning. ]

I'm just usually good at this. That. Telling. [God. She pulls her hand free of her hair and flings them both out in a stop motion] Alright, conversation reset. I'm really happy for you that you have a platonic friend here with you. People aren't always lucky enough for that. There, a purrfectly acceptable response, I feel.