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“I know,” I admit. “That’s why you’ve always been a better friend than me. You show up. You always have.”

“I wasn’t the only one,” she says, her voice turning soft. “Milo was like that too.”

I pull my hands away from hers and nod.

“He was.”

“Sorry. I know it’s a touchy subject for you, but if you ever need to talk about it, I’m here.”

“I know you are.” I force a smile. “But I’d rather not talk about it.”

She studies me for a moment before leaning back in her seat.

“Have you talked to anyone about it? About that night?”

“Sienna,” I warn.

“You really should. If not to me, then to a therapist. That kind of shit eats away at a person’s soul.” Her posture stiffens. “Believe me, I know.”

My brows furrow at the last part, but before I can question her about it, I spot a familiar figure across the street—Milo.

He’s leaning against the brick wall, one foot propped behind him, smiling at me like he has a thousand secrets he’s eager to share.

My heart immediately starts pitter-pattering inside my chest, just like it used to whenever I saw him as a teenager.

When Sienna turns to see what I’m looking at, I grab her wrist and pull her attention back to me.

“Do you mind going back to the B&B without me?”

“Why? Where are you going?” she asks as I get to my feet and pull my car keys from my purse.

“I’m going for a walk.”

“A walk?”

“Yes, Sienna. A walk. I do that now. It helps clear my head when I’m working on a story. Is that okay?”

“No. Not okay.” Her gaze narrows. “I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention, but the class of 2016 isn’t exactly having a great week. People are dropping like flies. I’m not sure it’s safe for you to be walking around alone.”

I won’t be alone. Milo will be with me.

I’m tempted to tell her that but think better of it. Sienna is worried enough about me. Why add Milo into the mix? That’ll only trigger twenty-one questions I have no interest in answering.

Besides, right now I have a date with what used to be my destiny.

“I have mace in my bag and a rape whistle. I’ll be okay. Promise.”

She still doesn’t look entirely convinced, but eventually concedes. “Fine. Call me if you need me.”

“Thanks.” I lean in and wrap my arms around her.

Sienna’s body immediately stiffens beneath my embrace. She’s never been comfortable with physical affection, so when some of the tension slowly leaves her body and she hugs me back, the small victory feels ridiculously monumental.

“Love you,” I say, releasing her before I push my luck.

She gives me a playful shove, though the affection behind it isn’t lost on me.

I wave her off, say goodbye to Bill and Betty, lose the argument over paying for dinner, and head outside.