“They really have a great view here.” I gesture to the sight, as if he needed any help in finding the sprawling scene.

“Mmhmm.” He glances over at me. I’m not sure what he sees, but he gives me a kind smile and a pat on the shoulder. “They’re nice people.”

From what I can tell, he’s right. And that’s a good thing because it means Fred is probably nice, too. Less likely to have a change of heart. The exchange shouldn’t be in jeopardy.

I want to be friends with Ben and Fred. Friendships connect you. And they’re easy. Uncomplicated.

That’s all I want. No flutters. No sparks.

Just friends.

Dr. Stevens clears his throat and turns to leave. “Ben has started his treatment. You’re good to join him whenever you’re finished exploring.”

I follow after him. “I’ll walk you out.”

“Oh, you don’t need to do that.”

“It’s no problem. I’ve got to grab something anyway.”

BEN

Holly passes by my room with only a quick wave as she and Dr. Stevens head down the hall.

Is she leaving? Without even saying good-bye?

That doesn’t make any sense. She offered to come. And we took my car.

Tubes stick into my arm, holding me in the chair. I want to rip them out and follow her.

For a moment, I seriously consider it.

But what if I do and then find she’s just in the bathroom? How crazy will I look if I stop my treatment right after I started just because I want to know where she is?

So, instead, I clench my teeth and turn the TV to some random channel. At least, this way, I won’t look like I’ve been sitting in silence, waiting for her to come back. If she comes back.

A few loud thumps echo up the hallway. Then, moments later, Holly stumbles through the doorway, hauling one of the large padded chairs from my parents’ dining room table. Apparently, she carried the thing up the flight of stairs because, being the horrible host that I am, I forgot there was nowhere else to sit in this room.

Except for my lap, which I would’ve been happy to offer up.

“Shit, Holly. I’m sorry. I’m an idiot. I can’t believe I forgot another chair.”

She flinches, and I wonder if I hurt her feelings. But then she gives me a sweet smile, and I’m back to admiring her mouth.

“You kidding me? This worked out perfectly. Now, I don’t have to lift weights today.” Holly arranges the chair, so she can see both me and the TV before settling into it. “Oh, good. You’re not a show-er.”

I glance at my fly and then back at her with a raised eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Oh gosh, not like that! I mean—and please don’t take this the wrong way—I’m glad you covered your arm.” She gestures to the cloth I have draped over my forearm where I’m hooked up.