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“I’m proud of you,” she said immediately. “This trip can’t be easy for you to make on your own.”

“It’s not,” I admitted. “Which is why…”

“Yes?” she prompted, when I trailed off.

“Well… I suppose the whole reason I called was to ask if you would come with me,” I said. “I know I haven’t given you much notice and—”

“Of course, I’ll come with you,” Rachel interrupted me. “I’d be honored to.”

“Thank you,” I said fervently. “I really appreciate this… I couldn’t imagine taking this trip without the support of…a friend.”

Girlfriendhad been on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to say it just yet. Friend was the safe option. If Rachel noticed it, she didn’t say a word. In fact, she didn’t acknowledge it at all.

“I’ll see you on Sunday then?” she asked.

“I’ll pick you up in the morning,” I said. “Around eleven?”

“Sounds good.”

“Thanks again, Rachel,” I said.

“Hey, what are friends for?” she asked.

I couldn’t help but smile.