There was no turning back now. Steven had said what he had said, and it was out there now. He could see the tears well up in Valerie's eyes once she had felt the full impact of his words. They were cruel but honest. However, Steven was still surprised by Valerie's reaction. She was never this delicate. She was typically a very tough person; nothing ever bothered her. Valerie choked back some of her tears and stared directly into Steven's eyes. Valerie's eyes were fiery, and now, Steven was aware he was in trouble. What does the word delicate connote as it is used in the story?

As indicated in the excerpt, Valerie was a strong-willed woman who stood her ground on matters. So, it was a bit surprising when she became teary as a result of Steven's words. She became sensitive or delicate instead of tough and unmoved which was how she was normally known to be.

A sensitive person easily responds to other's actions. In other words, they are delicate. That was the same attitude portrayed by Valerie in this excerpt.