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“Yes,” I answer honestly, thinking of how these last few months have unfolded, from our first night together, to the night we just had in the hotel. It’s beyond serious. I’m pretty certain that woman is my forever. “I’ll answer any question you want, but I can’t not be there for her this weekend.”

I can tell she doesn’t understand my urgency, because she doesn’t understand the depth of her mother’s grief, or just how little Zara has allowed herself to show that grief, especially in front of her family. But I hope she can at least see how much I care for Zara, and that if anything, that alone will be enough.

“Okay,” she concedes. “I’ll give you our flight details, my dads’ address, and whatever else you need.”

My body sags in relief. “Thank you. So much.”

Raine continues to stare at me in silence, and I can see her trying to wrap her brain around the enormity and disbelief of the bomb I’ve just dropped.

“I don’t know if this makes a difference to you, but it was my choice to keep it a secret,” I reveal. “Your mom wanted to tell you from the get go. So if you’re mad at anyone, be mad at me.”

I appreciate that she doesn’t rush to absolve me of any guilt or try to calm the situation. She has every right to know all the facts before she settles on a way to feel about Zara and me dating.

Raine leans forward, forearms resting on the table. “Why do you want to come to Seattle so badly?”

“She’s there for all of you,” I tell her. “And I just want to be there for her.”

In order for Raine to understand, it’s really that simple. She doesn’t need to know all the unexplainable details of why Zara didn’t tell me in the first place or how that makes me feel, because I don’t even know them, and the intricacies of our relationship aren’t her business.

The bell on the café door interrupts us and the possibility of our conversation going any further.

“If you need to go home and pack,” I say as I stand up, “I can cover you here.”

“Are you sure?” she asks, stepping out of the booth. “Because I kind of need to work out how to face my mom without telling her I know.”

Guilt courses through me. “I’m sorr?—”

Raine raises a hand to stop me. “I feel like there’s going to be a lot of apologizing over the next few days, so let’s save it for now.”

I put my own hands up in surrender. “That’s fair.”

Making my way behind the counter, I plaster a fake smile on my face and help Mel with service, trying not to fixate on the last half an hour or the upcoming weekend. I have so many things to worry about, including how the fuck I’m going to afford to fly to Seattle and back on a last-minute flight.

When Raine leaves the café, I quickly duck out to the back and drag my cell out of my back pocket, sending Nina a text.

Hey. I’m so sorry, but I can’t dogsit this weekend.

What? Why? Are you okay?

I’m fine. Something came up with Zara, and I need to go to Seattle and see her.

She’s in Seattle?

I’ll explain later.

I’m so sorry.

It’s fine. We’ll catch up when we’re both back.

Just before I put my cell back, a text from Raine comes through with all the details I need for the weekend. I forward the text to Remy, knowing he’ll help me without asking questions I don’t have all the answers for, and then send a follow-up message.

Can you please book me flights to Seattle that sync up with these times?

Remy: Do you need accommodations?

I have no expectations for this weekend. Despite my feelings being hurt, it isn’t the time to make it about me; I just want to be there for her, and that includes sleeping wherever she is.

No.