Novalee and Greysen sat in silence for a long moment.
"He's really hurt," Greysen said finally.
"I know."
"And he's right. You need to get out of this apartment. Out of your own head." Greysen squeezed her hand. "So here's what's going to happen. When James gets back, he's going to sleep. And you and I are going to leave. We're going to spend the day together, just like old times. No pressure. No interrogation. Just... being together."
"Grey—"
"And if you want to talk about what's happening, I'm here. If you don't, that's okay too. But you're not staying in this apartment all day, alone, drowning in whatever this is."
Despite everything, Novalee felt a flicker of warmth. This was why she loved Greysen. They didn't force. They didn't demand. They just... showed up. Stayed. Refused to
