“Oh.” The ache of grief in her voice made me glance up at her. She was staring at the ground too, pain clear on her face as she calculated the very limited time we had left. It was close to the end of September. We had just over a month together, then…who knows when we’d see each other again.

The torture of our impending separation swirled around us for a moment, and we both silently absorbed it. Then, needing her reassurance, I grabbed her hand and gave her a soft kiss. I indicated the doors, wondering if she was ready for this. Even though the decision had been made, once we stepped into that bar, it would be official—no turning back. For a moment, Kiera looked like she wanted to do anything other than step inside, like we could avoid reality if she never went back to work. We couldn’t though. Reality would find us if we tried to avoid it.

She inhaled a deep breath, then she nodded—she was ready. I led her through the doors. Everyone was watching us. And sadly, there were inspecting us, like they thought we’d gotten physical with each other. It had happened before. In this bar. But that wasn’t what had gone down, and once that was clear, the curiosity faded, and people went back to their own lives.

Everyone except my band, of course. They were relentlessly staring at Kiera and me, like they were trying to judge the outcome of our conversation by our body language. I let out a long exhale as I walked us back there. Might as well get this over with. If nothing else, at least the guys would be thrilled.

As Kiera and I approached the table, I studied my friends—they were all watching Kiera, probably wondering what side of this decision she’d landed on. Matt looked melancholy, like he was sure nothing had changed, and I was going to say no again. Evan looked unsure, like he didn’t know what he wanted me to say. He had his own reasons to stay in Seattle, after all, and I had a feeling he’d actually be okay if I still said no. Disappointed, for sure, but he’d happily wait for me to come around. Matt, though…he’d be crushed if my answer didn’t change. Crushed enough to leave the band, I really wasn’t sure. Maybe. But Griffin…there was no doubt how he would react. He would be ticked beyond measure for the rest of our friendship if I shot down this opportunity. As it was, he had his arms crossed over his chest and was glaring at Kiera like it was entirely her fault. If he didn’t stop that soon, he just might get a swift kick in the ass.