I let out a breath and prepare myself, because this is going to be the hardest part of this conversation. “Because I need to know that you’re going to be okay. I can’t…I can’t lose you, Mika. I’ve lost a piece of Mom. I’ve lost Dad. You’re all I have left, and I can’t fathom the thought of losing you as well.”

“Wilder, I’m fine⁠—”

“No, don’t do that,” I say with a stern voice. “Don’t bullshit me. Don’t tell me you’re fine just to say it. Look at me, and tell me how you’re really fucking doing.”

He blows out a heavy breath and stares out past my shoulder for a few seconds before he brings his gaze to mine. “I’m doing better. I am. It’s been small steps, but I’m doing better.”

A hint of relief washes through me.

“I think when I was in that dark time of my life, I didn’t find much hope in anything, but now that I’m in therapy, now that I’m working on myself, I’m finding joy in simpler things.”

“Really?” I ask. “Don’t lie to me just to appease me.”

“I mean it. Really.” He sits up. “I’ve been making changes in my life, changes to adjust my trajectory.”

“Like what?” I ask, surprised by this.

“Well, I started taking some mixology classes, because I was talking to a friend about becoming a bartender at an exclusive club. I would be paid way more, plus I would have benefits. And the work would be more challenging, more precise. There would be more opportunities to be creative. Not to mention mixing drinks would be more about the quality at an exclusive club rather than the quantity.”

“Wow, when did this happen?”

“While you were at marriage camp.” He smirks.

“Ah, yeah, that makes sense. Well, this is great. I’m happy for you, man.”

“Thanks.” He fully turns toward me. And I can see it, right there, the lightness in his expression, the joy in his demeanor. He really is doing better. “So how does this have anything to do with my friend?”

“Right.” I move my hand over my jaw. “I don’t want you to get upset when I tell you this, but I’ve sort of put things on hold in my life as I’ve tried to navigate the family drama and make sure that you’re okay. And what it comes down to is I don’t think I can move on or give Scottie my everything if I’m not sure that you’re going to be okay.”

His expression morphs into surprise. “Wait, really?”

“Yeah, man. You matter the most to me.”