That peaks Coop's interest, the idea that making a connection with someone would only be good for a particular purpose, because he's never really thought about the ones he's made that way. He loves being around people, loves preening and giving attention and getting attention because it always just feel better to smile, to forget that there could be anything in his life that he isn't happy with when the truth is never too far behind. He's not a tragic figure, he knows that, there are a hell of a lot of people in this town who have gone through way more than Coop thinks he could ever handle but then again, it's not supposed to be a competition.

Everyone has to deal with the bullshit that comes with being a human fucking being, that's just the way it is. He doesn't do trust as well as he used to because he'd given it all to one person once, and it had blown up in his face. That doesn't make his life especially difficult, just a little harder sometimes, and that he can accept. It's the days that make him wake up feeling like maybe it's time to give up for a little bit and make a quick getaway that leave him pissy because that's not who he is. Coop's never been a quitter--but maybe there's a first time for everything.

"Here you are," he says, scrubbing a hand against the stubble on his cheeks as he struggles to get back on track with the conversation. "Maybe they're interested in connecting with you because they can see what a great person you are. Which sounds like total crap, I'm realizing, but whatever, I'm trying to be real, okay? You're the best assistant I've ever had and sure, you're also the first, but still." He gives her a crooked smile as he rolls his eyes. "I like having you around, that's all I'm trying to say."