Erika nodded slowly, no longer sure about the right thing to do. Would the news about his father’s whereabouts make Reed feel better or worse? For now, she focused on the positive, the things she could control. She and Cassie were okay. Their friendship had somehow survived ten years of almost no contact—one argument couldn’t break the friendship ties they’d formed in childhood. Emotions rose in her chest and not for the first time, she regretted having to leave so soon.

What would happen if she told her father no? If she took the rest of her vacation and went home a week from now?

She’d be replaced on his research team.

“Seriously, Mom, how long are you planning to stay?” Cassie asked, struggling to lift Diva off one of the leopard-patterned suitcases.

“Until you’re feeling better and the foot is completely healed,” Arlene said.

Her friend’s eyes widened.

Probably the same way they must have when Erika had announced the unexpected length of her visit. She grinned, remembering that awkward first night in the bar. Reed had certainly warmed up to her quite a bit since then.

Man, she’d been such an asshole. Thank God, her friends had seen through her bullshit.

Her chest ached at the thought of what distance and time might do to them all, but she pushed the negative thoughts away.

Negative or realistic?

“That’s not necessary—you don’t have to stay that long. I’m fine. I can totally get around here all by myself. You just watched me come down the stairs,” Cassie was insisting.

Her mother waved a hand, rolling up the sleeves of her handmade holiday-themed sweater as though on a mission. “Nonsense. You nearly died. If Erika was staying, that would be different, but you need me,” she said, already in the kitchen loading the dishwasher.

Erika smiled, feeling suddenly jealous of her friend. She missed her own mother so much... She hadn’t had anyone take care of her or want to for a long time. A deep longing to stay, to be a part of this family and close-knit group of friends nearly choked her. But she’d only been visiting this way of life. She’d never had any intentions of staying.

She checked her watch. “My train leaves soon, so I have to finish packing...” Reed had dropped her off and said he had to run to the station for a few minutes, but he’d be back soon to drive her to the train station.

Cassie nodded, moving forward to hug her again. “Sure you can’t stay? She will drive me insane.”

“Be nice. You’re lucky to have her,” she said, kissing her friend’s cheek.

“You’re right. I am. I’ll have to keep reminding myself of that.” She laughed, following Erika over to her own open suitcase in the living room.