Zack is always up for talking about feelings or, really, about anything. Every milestone of their relationship has been preceded by a long talk. Before Zack first met Mom and Dad, he and Suhani sat in a coffee shop for an entire afternoon and discussed why Dad might be skeptical about him and what they’d have to do to prove that they were in a serious relationship. A year later, Zack listened patiently when Suhani explained that it would be inappropriate for him to kiss her in front of the aunties, eat meat in front of her family, and wear shoes in the house.

SUHANI: Nothing important. Tell you more tonight at home.

ZACK: I’ll be home late. There’s a CBD company that’s taking us to drinks to try and convince us to partner with them.

SUHANI: Sounds fun!

Zack’s a director at YourCare, a start-up that links people to doctors all around Atlanta through a single web portal. Although his hours are hectic, he’s still able to do luxurious things like go to the bathroom whenever he needs to or eat unlimited fancy snacks in the company’s kitchen.

ZACK: Remember to schedule your meeting with Dr. Wilson. And here’s a Corgi going after a ball with all this determination. It’s like you with everything.

Suhani clicks the video link and her screen fills up with an adorable puppy chasing a tennis ball. Its short legs and smile give her a quick breather from the day. For the first time in days, things between her and Zack finally feel the way they used to. Easy, tender, secure.

SUHANI: Ha! So cute!

A question tugs at her. When was the last time she surprised Zack with something? Her mind passes back over the conversation with Vanessa. Was she right about Suhani’s being scared of having the same marriage as her parents? Were there things about her past that made her keep her guard up? She doesn’t want it to be that way.

After her appointment with Dean, Suhani confirms a pickup order for chocolate chip cookies from Tiff’s Treat’s, Zack’s favorite, and makes a silent promise to have them warmed and waiting on a plate when he gets home.

She scrolls back to Roshan’s text. He needs to know there’s no place for him in her life. She tells herself there’s no reason to be scared. Not anymore.

Determination pulls her out of her chair. It only takes her twenty seconds to get out of her office and down one flight of stairs to the neurology department.

Roshan’s office door is closed. Her heart rate increases as she sees his gold nameplate on the door. He’s really here. In her hospital.

Suhani clears her throat and knocks on the door.

“Come in!” His baritone voice sends a shiver up her spine.