He seemed to have to work harder to hide his unease when he wrapped his arms around me for the night.

“You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

I felt him tense. “I was hoping you’d let it go.”

“Why? I thought truth was the cornerstone of our relationship? That was so important to you before Spring Break,” I pointed out.

“It’s still important,” he sighed.
“Then what is it? Why are you keeping what Samuel said from me?”

He sighed. “Before we left you needed normal. While we were gone, we had normal. I want you to have that here, where we live. If that’s what you want then you should have it. We could live like Jack and Cynthia. She didn’t ask questions, he didn’t divulge information, and they made it work.” He pressed his lips against my hair. “Leave the details to me.”

I considered that for a moment. “That’s what you want?”

“I just want to make things easier on you.”

I kissed his shoulder. “And when do things get easier on you?”

“You’re safe in my arms. I’m not outside Andrews in my SUV listening to you talk about some guy you’re dating, wishing it was me. The fact that you know what I am and that we spend so much time together, my job is easier than it’s ever been. This will end soon, sweetheart. I just need you to trust me.”

“Sweet potato fries?” I whispered into the darkness.

Jared pulled me closer to him and kissed my neck. “Sweet potato fries.”

Saturday morning I awoke to Jared standing beside the bed. He held out my buzzing cell phone and I took it, noting the unhappy look on his face.

“Hello?”

“Good mornin’, sunshine. How was your trip?” Ryan said.

“It was perfect. How was yours?” I said, rubbing my eyes. I couldn’t help but smile, Ryan’s voice was strangely comforting.

“It was fun. You should have been there. You didn’t forget about the Bio test next week, right?”

“You’re calling about the test?” I asked, immediately suspicious of his ulterior motives.

“No. That’s just my lame excuse. I’m calling because I haven’t heard your voice in a week and I miss you.”

I could tell by the tension in Jared’s jaw that he could hear Ryan perfectly clear. I sighed, “Thank you. I didn’t forget.”

Ryan chuckled. “Good. I’ll see you Sunday night?”

“What’s Sunday night?”

“You’re coming back to Brown Sunday night. Or did you change your mind and move in?”

I sighed. “No. I’m coming back, but not until late…I’m having dinner with Jared’s family.”

“Oh,” Ryan dramatically exhaled, making a loud noise into the phone. “Okay, then. I’ll see you Sunday night. Later, kiddo.”

I hung up the phone and made a face.

“What?” Jared asked.