How could I resist words like that from him, Spencer? How could I resist something so poetic and concerned for me like that? How could I resist this extremely gorgeous guy who wanted me to reveal my secret? As much as I wanted to speak, thinking it and saying it out loud are too different things.

I opened my mouth slowly, wishing the words would just take control and have a mind of their own. They didn’t. I closed my mouth again as Spencer waited for me patiently.

Then I whispered, “My friend died.â€? And he gaped at me. His mouth dropped and his eyes popped really wide. He was so appalled it took him a minute to speak again.

“How? When? What happened? I’m sorry.â€? When I didn’t reply, he reached over and grabbed me in a tight hug, stroking my hair. Spencer whispered in my ear, “You don’t have to give me the details now, okay. I’m just so glad I could hear your voice. And I’m sorry about your friend but I want you to know I really am here for you and you only.â€?