Austin tries to suppress a smile. "Burke, even if you can't find another job for a year, or three, I think your family will still have a roof over their heads."

"I know that, and you know that, but Mom and Dad act like finding the next big thing is essential to our livelihood. Every time they bring it up, I get a lump in my throat. I guess I never thought about what my job at FA meant to the people around me."

"You can't be so hard on yourself," Austin tells me. "Today was your first day back at work and you're overwhelmed. You'll figure this out. FA isn't going away tomorrow."

I stare at the movie screen. They're playing one of those trivia games with questions about celebrities and one about me just flashed on the screen ('What is the name of Kaitlin Burke's character on Family Affair?' Answer: Samantha Buchanan). "Austin, that show is my rock," I practically whisper. "I'm not ready to let it go."

He kisses me. His lips taste salty from the popcorn. "I can be your rock," Austin says softly.

I must have the best boyfriend in the world. What guy says things like that outside of a romantic comedy?

"Thanks." I smile and dig into my bag. "I forgot. I got you a souvenir." I break out a royal blue T-shirt and ball cap that says Parrot Cay, which is the name of the resort where I stayed. It's not much, but my funds are low after Christmas. I got Austin this cool, framed, vintage New York City subway sign. He's always wanted one. It was listed on eBay for a hundred dollars, but I got into a bidding war with ICrackBax82 and wound up paying $450. Austin doesn't need to know. And, um, neither do Mom and Dad.

But Austin, he got me something ten times better. It's this beautiful, thin white gold bangle bracelet that I'm wearing right now. Inside, he had engraved: Love, A.

LOVE, A.

L-O-V-E, A. Sigh.

I still can't believe he's said those three little words to me and I've said them back.

Austin admires the shirt I gave him. "Very cool. I can wear this to practice on Monday."

"Lacrosse season is starting already?" I'm confused.

"We don't officially start till February," Austin explains, "but most of us aren't in a winter sport so we're starting early. I want to be at the top of my game this season."

"You're one of the best on the team," I say proudly.

Austin smirks. "You have to say that. But seriously, I need to work harder. Rob and I are thinking of doing a lacrosse training camp in Texas this summer. We've heard college scouts check out this camp for prospects."

"Wow, it sounds like you should go there then." I try to sound ultra-supportive even though the idea of Austin being halfway across the country for the summer bums me out. Before I can say anything else, the lights dim and the movie trailers start. This is my favorite part of the movies. I love deciding what flicks look good and which ones look like stinkers.