`` tess ... '' q shifted forward in his chair , linking his hands between his open thighs . `` what does 'i love you ' even mean ? she cried , she went numb and cried some more . the wings-and the way they appeared and disappeared-were more than enough proof of how different they were . do not let others shame you for this . that 's why i needed to see you , before it 's too late . peters enthusiasm was exactly what shed expected . she took me home last night . '' 