If any other guy had made me come and then sat there silent, I never would have been able to look him in the eye again.

If any other guy had set up a date for my sister with the guy she likes, I’d agree with Maggie about the pedestal.

When it comes to Holden, I can’t figure out his motivations about anything.

He very easily could have stopped anything from happening between us—he’s done it before. But he didn’t.

He very easily could have said no to Maggie. But he didn’t do that either.

Lily is curled up in her plush bed when I reach the bottom of the stairs. Her yellow tail taps against the hardwood floor as I approach and crouch down beside her. She’s mostly lab but with some other breeds likely mixed in too. The monkey toy Eileen gave Holden is lying on the floor next to her, already bearing evidence of teeth marks.

I stroke her soft fur gently, lingering on the white hairs around her muzzle. She was brought into the shelter right after I started volunteering there in elementary school.

My parents set the volunteering up as an attempt to stop me from begging for a pet of my own. They’d just had the twins and were firm our house was crazy enough as it was. That a dog wouldn’t be happy listening to screaming infants all day.

When Lily was brought in as a puppy, I instantly fell in love. I became obsessed with finding her a good home.

She ended up right across the street. Sydney wanted a cat. Holden was the one who begged his dad for the dog until he relented. He’s the one who walks and feeds her too. It’s one of the reasons I’ve never been able to see him as the villain he should be in my mind.

Sure, he broke my heart without warning or explanation. But he follows through on other responsibilities—obligations he actually cares about.

Lily whines when I stop petting her. I smile as I relent, moving my hand back to the soft fur and rubbing the top of her head. She lets out a satisfied sigh. “What a good girl,” I croon.

“Lucky dog.”

I startle at the sound of his voice, nearly falling on my ass as I spin around while squatting.

Holden smirks. He’s leaning against the opening that connects the living room to the kitchen. Arms crossed, but his pose is relaxed, not confrontational. Lily stands and pads over to him. He leans down to pat her head, keeping his eyes on me the whole time. I stand, twisting the hem of my t-shirt so I have something to do with my hands.

“You’re home early.” It’s not even midnight yet. I’m used to encountering him later.