I load the remaining boxes into the truck bed. Arrange them carefully so nothing shifts during transport. The work gives me something to focus on besides the knot in my chest.
I'm securing the last stack when I hear footsteps.
"Starting early," a familiar voice says.
I turn. Luke is walking toward me, coffee cup in hand.
My stomach drops.
"What are you doing here?" I ask.
"Came to help. Figured three pairs of hands are better than two." He glances at the truck. "Looks like you've got it covered though."
"Almost done. Just waiting on the last batch."
Luke leans against the truck and studies me. "You sleep at all?"
"Some."
"Liar." He grins. "You look worse than yesterday."
"Thanks."
"I'm just saying. Maybe this Denver thing is good timing. You could use a break."
I don't respond. Can't explain that leaving isn't going to give me any kind of break. That three weeks away from Callie isn't going to change how I feel.
"You talk to her?" Luke asks.
I freeze. "Who?"
"Callie. About her slowing down and taking better care of herself."
Relief hits so hard I almost sag. He's not asking about Friday night. Doesn't know she showed up at my cabin. Doesn't know anything.
"I mentioned it," I say carefully.
"Good. Maybe she'll listen to you. She sure as hell won't listen to me." He takes a sip of coffee. "Speaking of which. How'd she seem to you? The last few days?"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. Off. Like something's bothering her but she won't talk about it."
Everything's bothering her. Her brother's best friend won't stop pulling away. Won't stop choosing loyalty over what they both want. Won't stop being a coward.
"She seemed fine to me," I lie.
"Yeah. Maybe I'm imagining it." Luke pushes off the truck. "I'm gonna go say hi. See if she needs anything."
He disappears into the shop before I can stop him.
I stand there in the alley with the sunrise painting the sky and the weight of Luke's trust crushing my chest. He has no idea. No clue what's happening between his sister and his best friend.
Because we're lying to him. Sneaking around. Doing exactly what I said we couldn't do.
The back door opens. Callie emerges with another box of donuts. She stops when she sees me.
"Luke's inside," I tell her.
