“I wouldn’t say that,” I said, keeping my eyes on the ceiling. I could see Zeke peer over at me from my peripheral. “But I do appreciate you thinking I require two men to keep up with me.”

“That’s not what I meant. They’re twins. I was just saying… Christ, never mind.” He sighed.

“Sorry I’ve been such a hard ass. It’s just easier.”

“Than what?”

“Than putting up with it, I guess? Being polite? Making sure the feelings and ego of the man hitting on me unsolicited are preserved?”

“I get it. I can’t imagine having ti … breasts. Some guys don’t think straight around women. When we’re up on the mountain the guys are normal like they are when we’re just hanging out in Estes at the dorms. But we go out and they just act … stupid. And it’s not just them. All men. I’m guilty too.”

“You’re not so bad,” I said.

“I was with someone for a long time. I’ve watched my friends acting stupid. Gave me a different perspective, I guess.”

“How lon—never mind.”

“It’s okay,” he said. He cleared his throat. “Since high school until a couple of years ago.”

“High school sweethearts? That’s cute I guess.”

“Nothing special about it. I thought I was going to marry her. She was my first everything, and then I lost her.”

“She … she died?”

“She stopped loving me.”

“Ouch.”

“She’s married now. A baby on the way.”

“Keep up with her on social media?”

“God, no. I can barely stand to hear about it much less watch it. My little brother goes to school with hers.”

“Sorry.”

“You’re getting pretty good at that,” he said. I could see him look over at me again from the corner of my eye, but I kept my gaze focused on the ceiling. “Watts said you were married.”

“I am.”

“Where is he?”

I sighed. “He died.”

“Oh, damn.”

“Don’t say you’re sorry. And no, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“You don’t have to.”

We were quiet for a few minutes. Zeke didn’t seem to mind.

“You can stay. If you want,” I said.

“Do you need me to?” he asked. I looked at him, and he met my gaze.