Asher looks at her, hiding his surprise. That's the closest to an apology Anita's come, and it's entirely unexpected. It's enough of a gesture that Asher is willing to offer an apology of his own.

"I was so angry, cher," he sighs, "angry, and hurt. It did not occur tome that you might have just cause to be angry yourself." For if she had been as unwell as Jason had said she was, it is no wonder she shies away from him.