In all honesty, most of high school and some of college was a blur. To quiet his anxiety, he’d gotten good at substituting booze and weed for confidence. Titus and Trev had gone to the same university briefly, but then Titus left because his mom got sick, and Trev partied nonstop until he met Sarah. Two paths diverged, and—he couldn’t remember the rest of the quote. Something about the woods, which didn’t apply to their situation anyway.

“It’s not comforting to hear my best days might be behind me, you know?”

“Bullshit,” Titus said. “You lost your way for a bit, but you’re finding the path now. In the beginning, I had my doubts about the two of you as a couple, but you and Leanne look great together. I’m so happy for you, seriously.”

This was the moment when he should confess his relationship with Leanne wasn’t what it seemed. But, as he warmed the milk, he couldn’t bring himself to do that. Trev kept quiet while Titus filled the tray with coffee supplies and carried it out. He wouldn’t understand. And I don’t want him thinking badly of Leanne.

Whatever. Let’s live in the moment.

He surprised himself by letting go of all the worry and just enjoying the evening. Spirit Island was genuinely entertaining as well as incredibly challenging, and he lost himself in the game for several hours. In fact, it was later than he expected when Leanne yawned. Trev didn’t think it was a “wow, I’m tired of being here” cue, but she must be sleepy after the stress of dealing with Dan Rutherford, her first speech, and then all those carbs.

“Thanks for a fun night,” Leanne said.

Danica and Titus walked them out, and everyone swapped hugs. Trev offered to drive, and his wife smiled as she slid into the passenger seat. The other couple stood in the farmhouse doorway as he backed out onto the quiet country road. This far from St. Claire, the sky was ablaze with stars since it was a clear night. If he thought it would do any good, he would wish on one of them.

Don’t let this end. Don’t let me fuck it up.

“Did you have fun?” he asked.

“I did. Obviously, I’m close to Danica already, and I can imagine us being annoying couples who go on vacation together.” The light from the dashboard illustrated the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen.

He cut her a look, surprise warring with warmth in his chest. “Wow, really? You like Titus that well already?”

“How could I not? He’s your best friend, and he cares so much. Tonight, he did everything but a backflip to make sure I had a good time.”