Tess feels a mild surge of dread when he knocks; she wanted her excuse and she worked for it, but having that effort acknowledged feels like a wild card. Maybe he likes it, but maybe it came across as manipulative, some last ditch effort to get back into his good books. Being sentimental is the most cloying and cheap of tricks. Owning it feels disallowed. Sell it or hide it away.

She studies him through the peep hole for a long moment and rests her forehead against the door to compose herself. She puts on her best neutral look to open the door. Pretend to be surprised, but just a touch. Absolutely do not look relieved, or fearful, or even the slightest bit desperate.

Be calm.

"Hey."