"Right! So you're still on to referee? Thank you, I'm sure you'll be brilliant." At least there's that. One small fun thing to do together.

"...they might've told me that," he confesses, laughing a little. "But I get it. I'll just do work the honest way if I'm ever around your inn again."

As he talks, he's still processing and locking down Howard's secret. He's still worried, but maybe Howard will find someone he's better suited for soon. Someone who has a life ahead of them.