It seems like Claire is going to refuse, but then she gives me a long, lingering look. Finally, a small smile curves her lips. “Don’t take too long.”

She leaves a moment later, and I let go of Emmitt’s hand, turning to look at him. I scratch my head, uncertain what to say now that we’re standing here in the awkward aftermath of a kiss and meeting his mother. The feelings in my chest are heady and strong, but I don’t dare to put them into words.

“I guess we should head to the subway, then,” Emmitt says, offering me a hesitant smile.

I breathe out, exhaling the air pent up in my lungs, and nod. “Let’s go.”

Minutes later, we’re waiting for the F train at Thirty-Fourth Herald Square. Even though I told him not to waste a subway fare on me, he insisted. I think he’s hoping to avoid his mother as long as possible, and I don’t blame him.

At any rate, Claire Gong seems like she loves him. That’s worth something, even if it seems to come with a handful of expectations that chafe against Emmitt’s dreams. I’d trade near everything to be in the same situation, but it’s out of the cards for me at this point.

“Hey,” I say, bumping my shoulder into his. “Are you going to be okay?”

Emmitt laughs hoarsely and then, suddenly, I’m being swept into a hug. I stiffen at first but eventually relax into his embrace, resting my head against his chest.

“Is this your answer?” I ask softly, wrapping my arms around his waist. “It’s a little concerning.”

“I wish the world would stop for a minute,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my hair. “I wish we could stay in this moment forever.”

I lean back, offering him a shrug. “That’s what pictures are for. Living in memories, even when they’re gone.”

Emmitt’s gaze is wistful. “Maybe one day we won’t have to live in the past. Maybe one day we can both stop hiding and be true to ourselves.”

I peer up at him through my lashes, unsure what to say. He doesn’t look like he expects an answer. Maybe he knows that there’s nothing I can say in response that wouldn’t lay me open, my bleeding heart on display for everyone to see.

When the subway arrives, I pull away painstakingly, moving toward the double doors, but Emmitt tugs me back by my elbow. I blink in surprise, watching as he lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of my knuckles.

“See you tomorrow, Mina.”

My breath hitches. “See you tomorrow, Emmitt.”