Page 64 of Good For Me

“I’m sorry,” she says again, reaching for my hand. “That sounded awful, and I didn’t mean it like that. You’ve been wonderful since I told you.” She blinks rapidly and I realize she’s going to cry. Shit. That’s the last thing I want. “It’s been such an overwhelming day and—”

I push down all the hurt I’m feeling and squeeze her hand back. “It’s fine,” I say again, more sincerely. “You’re right—today has been a lot. We’re both overwhelmed.”

She releases my hand to rub her fists over her eyes. “You know, I was supposed to have another week.”

“Another week?”

“That was the deal I made with Brie when you came into the diner. She said I could stay in my happy denial bubble for one week, and then I had to tell you.”

“But I pushed you to have coffee the next day.” She nods, looking miserable. “Would a week have really helped all that much?”

She sighs, turning to the window. “Probably not. But I have an exam on Thursday morning, and three shifts at the bank before then, and I haven’t even started on my uncle’s payroll for next week and—” she cuts herself off, looking up at me with a tiny smile. “And now I sound like the biggest baby on the planet, don’t I?”

“You sound like someone who’s had a tough time and needs a break,” I say, an idea beginning to take shape in my mind. “What if we took the rest of the week before we talk about this anymore, just like you planned?”

She raises an eyebrow. “Seriously? You think we can just…what? Turn it off for a week?”

I shrug. “I think you already did two really big things this week—you told me and you went to the doctor. There’s no reason why you have to tell your uncle or anyone else.” I don’t mention that this also gets me out of telling my family yet. “Get yourself through your test and the rest of the work you have to do. And then give yourself the weekend to really relax. Have some fun. Be carefree for a few more days before everything gets crazy.”

She narrows her eyes, studying my face. “Why do I get the feeling that you already have a plan for this relaxing, fun, carefree weekend?”

I grin at her. “Because I do.”