Question about breaking down and reading a script!

Hi everyone! So I would like everyone's feedback. Ive started private coaching just to deepen my understanding of the skill and today my teacher and I worked on breaking down a script. The script is somewhat emotional, and has lots of pauses but not in a dramatic way more like a reminiscence way. Fast forward to the point. my scene has a line and it says

"...Before my dad died he told me he loved me... believe that?"

My teacher says I should hesitate before saying "before" which I totally get and understand. What i'm having a hard time on is her saying the "me" word should be dragged out and in the same breath of "believe that" can anyone give feedback? when I drag it out it feels natural in some way.