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We sat in silence for a bit. Then I tried to give us a fresh start.

“Where do you see yourself in ten years, Rafe?”

He looked at me for a moment. “A year ago, I might’ve said I saw myself here in the City doing exactly what I’m doing now—looking after my aunt and making just enough money to get by. But since then, my career has taken off. I never expected the glass stuff to go viral and create a demand the way it has.”

“So how does that change your plan?”

“Well, it’s funny you ask, because I’ve been contacted by someone who saw the videos and wants to manage me. I looked into him, and he’s the real deal. He seems to think there’s opportunity for me to expand my horizons, maybe even take my performance art on the road.”

My stomach sank. “Like where?”

“He’s apparently been talking to these guys in Vegas who want to develop something for me where people could buy tickets to see me perform.” He shook his head. “It’s all just talk right now. And I don’t even know if that’s the direction I want to go.”

A mix of pride and worry churned in my stomach. “What’s your hesitation?” I asked.

Rafe scratched his chin. “It’s not the type of career I envisioned for myself. I didn’t start doing art to become a spectacle or to be famous. That’s not me. I started creating art as an escape and to express myself, not to become a circus act. At the same time, how could I turn down an opportunity that could be life-changing from a financial standpoint?” He inhaled deeply. “So, it’s a lot to think about.”

“I can see why it wouldn’t be an easy decision, especially with your aunt downstairs.”

“That’s a big part of it, yeah.” He nodded. “She has no one else to look after her. The long-term plan has always been for me to stay nearby to help her the way she’s looked out for me. It just happened sooner than I thought.” Rafe paused. “I don’t know if Calder ever mentioned this to you, but she left me this property in her will. She’s never said it in so many words, but I think she did that because she expects me to be with her to the end.” He shook his head with a smile. “I don’t need to inherit a house to take care of that woman, though.”

I nodded. “She’s special to you, huh?”

“She looked after me when things were difficult at home. As I’ve told you before, my stepfather was verbally abusive. My mom always felt stuck between him and me, even if the choice should’ve been easy.” He chewed on his lip. “It was an easy choice for Aunt Rosie. She came to my rescue, suggested I live with her, and provided me with a peaceful environment. That stability really helped me hone my art skills.”

“Wow. I knew she was important, but I didn’t realize she took you in like that.”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “So, I do want to look after her now. But that also means being tied to New York. It’s not the worst place in the world for an art career. But staying put means these plans my new manager has up his sleeve would be a pipe dream, unless I could somehow take her with me.”

“Well, hopefully things will work out and what’s meant to happen will.”

“Where’s your manifestation cap tonight, Talia?” he teased. “You’re supposed to be advising me to believe it’s going to happen and it will all work out.” He winked.

“It’s hard to remember to do that sometimes.”

“Fear is a bitch, isn’t it?”

“You’re telling me.” I let out a shaky breath and looked away, trying all over again to figure out what the heck to do with myself.

He tilted his head. “What’s really on your mind, Talia?”

Suddenly everything came to a head. “You won’t tell Calder what I said the night I was drunk, will you?”

His eyes widened. “Have you been worried about that?”

“A little,” I admitted.

“Talia…”

“What?”

“I will never share what you told me in that vulnerable moment. I don’t feel like I even had the right to hear those words, because you didn’t mean to say them. So those are not my words to share. I wouldn’t do you dirty like that, even if you’d told me stone-cold sober.”

“Thank you.” I nodded, breathing into my relief.

“You feel better now?” He reached over and placed his hand on my leg, shaking me.

He’d meant it as a playful gesture, but it caused every hair on my body to rise.