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The honesty in it steals the easy response I was about to give him.

I wish I were there too. I wish I could be waiting outside that arena, slipping my hand into his, going wherever he goes next without having to calculate what it would mean. I wish wanting him were the only thing I had to consider.

“I wish I were there,” I say.

He looks at me for a long moment, eyes seeking an answer I just don’t have, and neither does he. Then he nods.

Neither of us tries to pretend that wishing makes it possible.

Eventually, he glances toward the arena doors. “I should get back before someone sends a search party.”

“Probably a good idea.”

“I'll call you tomorrow.”

The promise is quiet. Not a grand declaration, not an attempt to make me promise something in return. Just a decision to call again.

“Okay.”

His eyes return to mine. “Get some sleep, fancy.”

“You first.”

“You’re being sassy.” He smirks.

“You like it.”

“I do.”

His smile returns, but now I can see the effort it takes to let this be enough for tonight.

“Goodnight, Rez.”

“Goodnight, Anna.”

He doesn't hang up immediately. Neither do I. We look at each other through the screen, both of us aware that ending the call won't change the distance between us, but might make it easier to pretend the distance is all there is.

Finally, he tips his chin toward the phone. “Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow,” I agree.

The screen goes dark.

I lower the phone into my lap.

Downstairs, my family’s expectations are still waiting. Nothing has changed about the life I came home to, and I still don't know how to make room for him in it without leaving no space for me.

But he called. He wanted to see me. And when I told him I couldn't promise him an ending, he didn't ask me to invent one.

He asked if he could call tomorrow.

I said yes.

For tonight, that is the one decision in my life that belongs entirely to me.

CHAPTER 16

ALL STAR WEEKEND