The barista approaches and hands me my favorite latte.
I meet Aunt Kora's gaze. "Thanks for meeting me so quickly."
"Of course." She sips her drink, cautiously asking, "What's going on, Blue? You look like you've got something heavy to unload."
My hands wrap around the warm mug, and steam rises between us. "It's about Red—Dr. Mercer."
Her eyebrow arches slightly.
Words rush out of my mouth. "We're together. For real. And I need to tell my parents, but I wanted your advice first."
Her eyes turn to slits. She sets her cup down carefully, leaning forward. "Red was told to stay away from you and you from him."
"We're in love." Heat rises in my cheeks, but I hold her gaze.
"When did you get back together?"
"Why are you asking me that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Mikhail didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?" she questions, pursing her lips.
My chest tightens. "I-I assumed he told you about when he showed up at Cloud's place."
"Cloud?"
"My friend who lives in Red's building," I offer.
"I see. And this was when?"
"A while ago. So, Mikhail didn't tell you?" I take a sip of my latte.
She shakes her head. Disapproval and a hint of anger fill her tone. "No, he did not."
Tense silence fills the air.
She clears her throat and asserts, "You're playing with fire, Blue."
"I need your advice, not another warning. I just told you I love him," I snap.
She sighs. "Blue, he took advantage of you."
"He didn't!"
"I know this is hard for you to understand?—"
"He helps me, Aunt Kora. More than therapy ever could alone."
Sympathy appears on her expression.
"Don't look at me like I'm a sick dog about to get put under!"
"Blue—"
"Do you have any idea what I've done to myself?" I hurl, my heart racing.
