“And what does that have to do with the escape room?”

“Something happened that night. He hasn’t told us what and he probably never will. All I know is after you two spent the evening together, he was different.”

Cookiegate.

The worry on his face when he noticed how cold I was on the walk to his apartment.

His jacket pulled tight around me, keeping me warm.

His confession about the graduation picture sitting on his bedroom wall.

Standing in his kitchen, his tongue on my finger. My teeth almost biting his thumb. The way I hugged him and held on, not wanting to let go.

There was an obvious shift in our time together. A recognition of the charged sexual chemistry between us that had me gasping and short of breath. I wanted him then. On the counter. Against the windows. In his massive bed. The few touches weren’t enough. That was the beginning of me needing more.

I think I still do.

I don’t think I’ve had enough.

“Different how?”

“He wore this stupid, secret smile, and when we asked what the hell his problem was, he shrugged and told us to fuck off. You’ve been on his mind a long time, my friend. This night, specifically, he was proud of you. He’s always proud of you.”

“Are we going to do a room now?”

“Nope. Not this time. I’ve got to hand you off to the next misfit. Only if you want to, of course.”

“It’s Neil, isn’t it?”

“Sadly,” he laughs, sending a quick text. “I’m not one to lecture. And I’m certainly not one to lecture someone as intelligent as you. I do have one last thing to say, though. Some parting wisdom. You’re lucky, Emma, to have gotten the chance to care for someone and be cared for in return. Not everyone will be so fortunate. Whatever you decide to do going forward with Henry, cherish those moments. Not only the happy ones; the sad, painful ones, too. Even though they hurt like fuck, it’s better to have loved and lost than never loved at all. The suffering reminds you you’re alive, and you got to experience one of the greatest gifts of life—being half of a whole.”

“You really think being hurt by someone you care about is better than not having anyone and never being tormented?”

“Let me turn your question into a question: Wouldn’t you rather endure a hundred bad days with someone by your side, instead of being alone, just so you can experience one perfect day with them? The lonely days aren’t great. Trust me.”