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Dex sighs. “She’s not ready.”

“No.”

“What did she say?”

“Told me she couldn’t. Tears in her eyes.”

“Fuck.” Dex sighs again.

“Broke my heart.”

“Because you don’t want her thinking about him still?”

I look at him.

“No. Because I hurt her and...” I look at Dex. “What if D didn't want this?”

Dex looks out at the sea in front of us, thoughtful.

“Even the fucking thought of leaving Lexy alone in this world suffocates me. But...” He shakes his head. “I wouldn't want her to be alone.”

I look at him.

“I'd fucking hate the guy from heaven, but I'd want her to be loved, have kids... a life.” Dex shrugs. “When you love someone, real love, you put their happiness first. Whatever that means.” He looks at me. “I don't think D would want her to be alone forever.”

I mull that over and nod.

“Does it bother you?” Dex asks.

“What?”

“That she'll always love him too?”

I think it over, and the answer is simple.

“Fuck, man, I love D. That will never change, and neither will her love for him. I don't want to take his fucking place.” I take a deep breath. “I just want a seat next to him in her heart.”

Dex smiles.

I stare out at the beach. It’s still early, but people are already setting up for the day.

“What now?”

I think about it, even though somewhere deep down I already know.

I pushed too far. I should’ve stopped it, should’ve known what would happen once the moment was over and Damiano came rushing back into the space between us.

“She’ll run.”

Dex nods slowly.

“I’m here for you, bro. Whenever you need to talk.” He pulls me into his arms and claps me on the back before stepping away. “She may just need more time.”

“Or she may never be ready.”

The words come out flat because there’s no point pretending we aren’t both thinking it.

“Worst part?” I say to Dex.