I shiver, and Ben pulls me closer, planting a kiss on my forehead.

“I know it’s just a dream, but it guts me every time. Usually, I call Marcus, just so I can hear his voice. Know that he’s okay.”

“Do you want to call him now? I can grab your phone.” He moves to get up, but I tug him back.

There’s no need, seeing as how Marcus wasn’t the one I left sinking into that hole of terror this time.

“I’m okay.”

“Is there anything you need?”

I shake my head. “You got me a shirt. I’m good.”

In the muted light from the clock, Ben’s worried frown carves shadows into his cheeks. I use one of my fingers to push at the corner of his mouth until he gives me a reluctant smile.

“Seriously, Ben, I’m good now.”

He sighs before tucking me in close under his chin. “Okay. Go back to sleep. And, if you have another nightmare, I have plenty more shirts.”

20

HOLLY

The oven lets out an insistent beep, announcing to the kitchen it’s preheated.

“Now, put this in and set the timer for an hour. Really though, you’re looking for the cheese to be bubbling on the top. That’s how you know it’s done.” Terra hands me a dish filled with all the components for chicken Parmesan.

I’ve just finished setting my egg-shaped kitchen timer when our apartment intercom buzzes.

My roommate gives me an impish grin before going to press the respond button. “Who may I ask is calling upon the Donovan-Foster residence?”

The crackling voice that responds matches her lofty tone, “’Tis I, Benjamin Gerhard the Fourth. Seeking an audience with Miss Holly Foster.”

Terra turns to me, delight plumping her cheeks. Not everyone likes to play along with her teasing.

“Oh, I do declare!” With a flourish, she buzzes him up.

Even when wearing ratty sweatpants and one of her worn concert T-shirts, Terra insists upon dramatics. I love her for it.

As we wait for him, my pulse picks up pace, and a heat washes over me that has nothing to do with standing near the oven. I’m jittery. Almost nervous.

This morning at the cabin was uneventful. When I woke up, Ben was already out of bed, preparing scrambled eggs, shirt back on. While I was disappointed that we didn’t wake up, wrapped together, I have to admit, I like my man in the kitchen.

One of the many reasons I invited him over this afternoon.

In the car ride, we threw Tommy Boy quotes at each other and listened to Preston and Steve’s podcast. At least, I listened to it. Ben fell asleep about halfway into the drive again.

There’s a knock on our door. Before I even take a step, Terra leaps from her chair and sprints to answer it. I lean back against the counter, letting her have her fun. Ben will need to get used to Terra if he really wants to spend time with me outside of his treatments.