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“Listen, I don’t want to freak him out. I like being friends. If something happens later, fine. But this is my thing. Please don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“Just want to make sure you’re okay.” I know he’s trying to be a good older brother, but I dislike the gentle way he says it, like he’s worried.

“I’m fine. Believe it or not, I can make my own decisions without relapsing,” I snap. That last part shouldn’t have been said out loud.

Rhys nods. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

I wince and exhale. “I know. I didn’t either. Sorry, that came out wrong.”.

Micky shakes her head. “No, you’re right. We came in hot.”

No shit.

The awkward pause breaks and Rhys diverts the conversation. “What was skydiving like?”

A smile tugs at my lips. “So fucking cool.”

That night I’m getting ready for bed and brushing my teeth when my phone buzzes next to the sink.

Casper

Not sure I can wait until your next appointment to see you again.

I have a hard time not hearing more than harmless—friendly—flirting in his words. It’s possible that’s all it is, but it feels . . . conscious. I bite my toothbrush between my molars and text him back, responding with our usual teasing.

Clingy much?

He responds almost immediately.

Casper

Yeah.

I wait, but there’s no follow-up banter. Shit. Oh, shit. I set my phone down and continue brushing while I decipher how to respond. I’m relieved when more dots blink at the bottom of the screen. Then they cease. I swipe the device off the counter and tap out a reply before I can stop myself.

I’m free on Friday.

I hold my breath while I wait for him to respond. The dots return.

Casper

Can I pick you up at 8 pm?

I hop up and down, squealing and dripping toothpaste onto my pajamas, but I don’t even care.

Yes.

Casper

It’s a date.

“Can you at least tell me if it’s as intense as skydiving?” she asks, leaning forward in the passenger seat to peer up at the tall buildings. “We’re not base jumping off a skyscraper or something, right?”

I chuckle. “No, but that does sound like fun and I would like to try it.”

She scoffs. “I will not be joining you for that adventure, and I’d prefer if you didn’t either.”

“Why not?” I say, turning into the downtown parking garage.