"'What I meant by saying that I would never dream of going on a date with you is that I never thought you'd agree to go to one,"  this time, she couldn't respond, so he kept going. " Because every time I sat next to you at the pub, you'd stiffen, avoid looking at me, and not participate in the conversation except when asked a direct question. I thought you hated me,"  careful not to raise her hopes too much, she asked: