As I shifted between the sheets to grab my phone and check the time, the high-thread-count fabric glided over my naked skin, and I turned my head to verify that Holden was sound asleep next to me. Though we tangled our bodies plenty before sleeping, we always rolled to our own side of the bed to sleep separately. It was kind of the one line we’d maintained that, in my mind, helped to remind me on a daily basis that this was not quite real.

He was breathing deeply, and I knew he had to work the full day at the restaurant, so I let him sleep for as long as he could. Besides, I needed to make sure Presley was okay. Emerson had said she could give her a ride to my place when they were ready, and I’d stacked blankets and sheets on the couch in the living room. Presley had assured me I didn’t need to play Holly Hostess and that she’d be just fine.

After a stop in the master bathroom, I tiptoed out of our bedroom, wondering if she was already awake. It was a little after seven a.m. and Presley was an early riser like me, though maybe not so much after an evening of drinks.

As I walked through the dining area, I could see the stack of blankets intact, and Presley was nowhere. She clearly hadn’t been here, because nothing had been moved.

Where are you? I texted her, my heart speeding up with alarm.

I let out a breath when I saw dots signifying that she was responding.

Stayed at Anna’s house. Didn’t want to bother the lovebirds. She added ridiculous heart emojis in every color, making me laugh.

Told you you were welcome here. Is my couch not good enough for you?

Holden’s couch, I amended in my mind.

Stop. I’m on my way there. Where can I pick up some breakfast for us all?

Try Sugar on Main Street. They have to-die-for donuts, I replied.

Wanting to let Holden sleep—and also wanting to talk freely with Presley—I took a quick shower, got dressed to go out in public, and pulled my hair up in a neat bun. I went out on the front porch to wait for her.

Just as I sat on the top step, a car pulled into my driveway and I recognized Anna behind the wheel, her blond hair thrown up in a messy bun, friendly smile on her face. Presley stretched over from the passenger’s seat and gave Anna a side hug, then climbed out.

I walked to Anna’s side, and she rolled her window down.

“Thank you for taking her in,” I said, smiling. “I promise you she could’ve stayed here.”