Page 65 of Finn's Future

“No,” she whispered, “it isn’t.”

I stepped closer, and the porch suddenly felt too small. “You matter to me, Kate.”

The words came easier once they were out. Almost too easy. Because they were true.

Her breathing slowed slightly, but then she took a step back. Only one, but enough to notice.

“I can’t do this right now,” she said. “I can’t keep depending on someone and waiting for it to disappear.”

“I’m not trying to hurt you.”

“I know.”

She said it so simply, it left me with nothing to argue against. Her fingers twisted together briefly before she stilled them.

“I think friendship is all I can handle right now.”

Friendship.

I wanted to tell her that wasn’t enough for me anymore. Wanted to tell her she’d already become something more. Butshe looked tired, worn thin by fear and grief and too many changes all at once.

So, I nodded. “All right.”

She nodded back, like she’d expected me to argue.

“Thank you.”

Kate turned towards the cabin door, then paused. When she looked back at me, her expression was soft again. “For what it’s worth,” she said, “I’m glad you came.”

She slipped back inside, and the door shut softly behind her.

I stayed where I was, staring out into the dark woods.

Friendship should’ve felt safer.

Instead, it felt like watching her close a door I’d only just realized I wanted left open.

Chapter 29

Finn

On the last day of the weekend, Reaper pulled me aside.

“Lucy and I are heading back,” he said. “You want back on duty?”

“Yeah.” I kept my voice even. “I do.”

“You kept your head down. Did what I asked.” A pause. “Didn’t make me regret it.”

“Yes, Pres.”

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Kate says she feels better with you here.”

Something settled low in my chest at that, but I kept my face neutral. “Good.”

Reaper stepped closer. “Don’t make me rethink it.”