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My grip tightens around her hand as the question settles between us.

Then, Lenny nods.

"That's how it started, yeah."

I open my mouth to say something else—to thank her, maybe, or ask a hundred more questions—but a loud scrape of the stool behind us pulls my attention back to the counter. Vienna's already halfway through her cinnamon roll, crumbs stuck to her cheeks like sand. And for the first time all morning, she just looks like my seven-year-old little sister. Not a care in the world.

I smile. Then I realize—Lenny did that.

She showed up for me. For V.

For us.

And so much in me wants to beg her to keep showing up. To stay. Not to go to Alaska—to be here later when I get home, and tomorrow, and the next day, and every day after that.

But instead, I step forward and wrap my arms around her, tugging her close.

"Thank you," I say into her hair.

She nuzzles into my chest. "Thanks for calling."

I press a kiss to the top of her head, my eyes drifting past her to where Vienna stands at the counter licking icing from each finger.

Lenny pulls back after another moment, her expression lighter. "The doorman just let me in earlier," she says, peering up at me. "No hesitation. I didn't even tell him why I was here."

I tuck a hair behind her ear and shrug. "I gave him your picture. Said if she ever shows up to let her in no questions asked."

Her eyes go wide. "You did?"

I nod. "I did clarify though—if you're carrying a grocery bag, it should be searched." Lenny's eyes narrow. "For candles."

"Shut up," she says, slapping my arm. "Those things worked. You've been sleeping like a baby for weeks."

I roll my eyes. "Maybe," I say.

"Ya know…" Lenny's gaze wanders the room, her nose in the air. "It does smell a little lavendery in here now that you mention it."

My mouth drops open. "It does not."

She arches a brow, challenging me. And instead of countering her, I yank her closer again. "I have been sleeping," I admit.

I drop my forehead to hers, my voice quieter now.

"But I don't think it was the candle that finally worked."

32

Lenny

Igot to ride my high from Jace's apartment for exactly four hours.

The one that started by deciding what I wanted to do and was only fueled by the way I was able to help them through Vienna's fear. By the way she looked at me when I started signing.

By the way he did.

But Kent called halfway between heading home from his place and the time I hoped I'd be falling asleep dreaming of staying with him in Golden City.

And all too quickly, I was brought back down to earth.