Victor glanced sideways at me, appraising me. It was obvious I had better react in a way that seemed normal, or we’d be pulling up to his house in a matter of minutes.

I took Victor’s hand in mine. Although we’d held hands thousands of times since kindergarten, this simple affection was foreign to me now. His posture relaxed, lips curved, and he returned his focus to the inky black road.

Leaning back in my seat, I breathed in Victor’s scent that wafted up from his jacket. How many times had I found perfect peace while falling asleep next to him in the early days after my father’s death? Would life ever be that golden again?

I relaxed against the leather seats, feeling the heat warm me, and closed my eyes.

A whisper floated across the cabin of the seat, stirring me.

“We’re almost there, love,” Victor said quietly. He squeezed my hand. “You might want to wake up.”

I emerged from my slumber, feeling more exhausted than when I had drifted off. The dream had been peaceful, but colored by an overwhelming sense of loss. James had been conspicuously absent. When I’d woken up, I’d felt a tremendous heartbreak. I was left with the sensation I’d lost everything that was important to me. Although Victor was only inches away, I felt alone. Worse yet, I felt destined to remain that way for the rest of my life.

I closed my eyes, trying to pull the dream back to me, desperate for the images of him in my mind.

“Did you hear me?” Victor gently asked.

“Yes,” I snapped, my eyes squeezed shut as I tried to find James.

Victor returned his hand to the steering wheel, and I immediately regretted speaking so harshly to him.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I just had a nightmare.”

He gave me a smile that offered forgiveness along with disbelief, as if he’d heard me apologize one time too many. He didn’t speak, just nodded his head as he pulled into my driveway. Victor cut the engine, then turned toward me. This time, he took both my hands in his.

“Listen, Penny and Desmond are pretty angry about you taking off like that. I doubt you’ll be able to see daylight for the next few days. Which means I won’t be able to see you.” He hesitated before a small frown crossed his face. “Maybe that will be a good thing.” Victor seemed defeated, as if he’d been abandoned by his best friend. I knew at once that so-called friend was me.

“Leath, maybe—”

“Don’t. Please don’t,” I said. There was no way I’d survive in this bizarre reality without the one person who always found a way to give me hope. “I’m sorry, Victor.” This time, I meant it, even though I had no idea what I was apologizing for.