She wrote some ridiculous statement and made each of them sign it and posted it behind her computer for all to see. Lauren’s heart swelled with happiness, but then her smile faded.

She wanted to tell Andrew. She dreaded telling her father, and the three people she knew would celebrate with her were Emma, Kiara, and the man she loved.

But she wouldn’t.

Couldn’t. She was miserable, and it would only make things worse if she called him now.

“Hey, you okay?” Kiara asked, poking her in the ribs.

Lauren pasted on a smile. “I’m great, sorry. Just spaced out for a second. So, who’s up to go out tonight?”

Emma ducked her head and a blush spread across her cheeks. “Can’t. I’ve got a date.”

“Another one?” Kiara asked, appearing in disbelief. “Same guy?”

“Yep,” Emma confirmed. “I think this one’s a keeper.”

“When do we get to meet him?” Lauren asked.

Emma arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “When I’m good and ready.”

Lauren gave Kiara the side-eye. “Let’s not hold our breath.”

“Oh please. You kept Andrew a secret from us for months,” Emma shot back.

Lauren’s excitement deflated instantly. Noting her distress, Emma grimaced.

“Damn. I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking,” Emma said gently. Though she hadn’t gone into great detail, Lauren had told them both about the breakup, if that’s what it even was. It felt weird…kind of like they were in limbo. They both wanted to be together, but each had reasons why they thought it best for the other if they weren’t.

It was ridiculous, really, the more Lauren thought about it. But then she remembered the image of him in that hospital bed, and it strengthened her resolve.

“Don’t worry about it,” Lauren said with a wave of her hand. She glanced at the clock. Andrew was probably in the infusion center now, getting his treatment. “Just keep your promise that you’ll take the best care of him, and I’m happy.”

Well, not happy, exactly. Satisfied.

“You sure are putting the pressure on,” Emma grumbled. “But I promise.”

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

The past two weeks had sucked.

Bad.

After he and Lauren had ended things, Andrew threw himself into work, spending endless hours at the DA’s office, helping with Isla’s case and anything else they’d let him do. He also went to Children’s Hospital last Sunday, when he knew Lauren wouldn’t be there. He asked Jasmine to teach him how to paint, and brushing the colors onto the page had been surprisingly therapeutic.