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Emery’s eyes widen briefly at the use of a nickname. Another boundary, maybe? Though I don’t think Kai is doing it intentionally, I get the feeling that he almost can’t help himself in her presence. The entire encounter is highly revealing. This story is imperfect and unfinished, quite literally writing itself before my eyes.

“That’s his fucking therapist,” Callum whispers into my ear.

“I figured as much. I sort of met her at Havencrest. Sloane and I volunteered there recently,” I whisper back. Callum eyes me suspiciously, raising a brow in question.

“Come on, guys,” Kai says, turning to wave us inside.

Callum exhales, and I tug on his hand until he starts walking with me toward the entrance. We follow Emery and Kai through the door, and when I turn to see if Raithe will follow, he’s nowhere to be seen.

“Is everything okay with Raithe?” I ask, still staring at the bird bath where he was perched seconds before.

“Probably walked off the grounds to smoke,” Callum says nonchalantly.

I nod, turning as we step inside the retreat. The smell of cedar and amber consumes my senses as I take in the dark oak flooring of what appears to be a foyer. We walk into a large main room and up to a reception desk where Emery handles Kai’s check-in.

Glancing around, I marvel at the stone walls surrounding the space—the colors all muted, pale, and typical of a place of this nature. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a magical view of the forest beyond, and I can hear the faint trickle of water from somewhere in the distance. Low instrumental strains of music filter in from a nearby hallway, enhancing the calming atmosphere.

“Follow me, and I’ll take you to your room,” Emery says, walking toward a spiraling staircase in the far back corner of the room.

We follow Emery up the stairs and to the second floor. She leads us down a hallway, slowing near a door marked with a small wooden plaque—the name Chrysalis carved into it.

Kai’s gaze bounces between the plaque and Emery, his eyes bright with gratitude. Inching toward her, he hesitates and ultimately backs away. I can tell that he wants to hug her, to thank her for something. This time, though, he doesn’t act on the impulse.

“I chose this room for you, Kai. I-I thought that it was perfect for your healing journey,” Emery says, glancing away from Kai’s gaze to stare at the plaque.

I don’t miss the way Emery didn’t use Kai’s full name when addressing him this time. It makes me curious about the dynamics of their relationship.

“It’s perfect, Em-Emery,” Kai says with tears in his eyes.

The moment feels deeply personal, like I shouldn’t be standing here staring. Callum shifts beside me, no doubt feeling the same kind of nervous energy that I do.

“Let’s get you inside, then,” Emery says, opening the door and stepping to the side to allow us all in.

“I’ll see you for group and again for our private session,” Emery says to Kai before turning toward Callum and me. “I wanted to thank both of you. It’s so important to have a support system when battling addiction. He’s lucky to have you.”

I smile, and Callum nods once. Emery glances over at Kai briefly before walking out of the room and back down the long hallway.

“See ya, Em,” Kai calls out after her. I palm my face, and Callum sighs.

“Kai,” Callum starts, “please stop calling your therapist by anything other than her name. She obviously doesn’t like it. And stop hugging her. For fuck’s sake.” Callum paces around the room, rubbing the back of his neck. I glare at the back of his head.

“What Callum means is, be mindful of Emery’s professional boundaries. You’ve got yourself a great therapist, and you don’t want to lose her by making her uncomfortable.”

“I know,” Kai says, his defeated expression making me wish I had never said anything. “She’s great, and you guys are right. I’m sorry, I’m always such a fuck up. But I’m going to do better. You’ll see.”

“I know, man,” Callum starts, his remorseful tone mirroring what I feel. “I know that you can do it, Kai. And I might give you a lot of shit, but know that I am here for you, and that I believe in you.”

I stare up at Callum in awe, blinking twice to make sure I’m not hallucinating. He shoots me a nervous side smile, and I nod for reassurance.

“Aw, Cal,” Kai says. “That means so much to me, man. Thank you.” Kai advances on Callum, going in for a hug. Callum surprises me twice when he returns Kai’s embrace.

“Yeah, well,” Callum mutters, clearing his throat. “Don’t make me regret saying it.”

“Don’t you worry, I won’t,” Kai says, pulling back from the hug. “Now, you two kids get out of here. The night is young. Take this woman out on a date, Cal. She deserves it.” Kai turns to start unpacking his bags, and I don’t miss the tears welling up in his baby blues.

“That we can definitely agree on,” Callum says, grabbing my hand to lead me out of the room.

“Take care, Kai. It was great seeing you again, really. I can’t wait to hear all about this place when you leave,” I say, smiling.