Our views from the beach are stunning—we have a spectacular sunset to witness every night right off our terrace, so we usually sit out here with a glass of wine and take in the gorgeous scenery.

One night, as we sit together holding hands, something pops into my head. “Hey, I thought you said you didn’t want anyone seeing me naked. Remember?”

“Yeah. I said that to throw you off, so you wouldn’t be able to figure out where we were going.”

“Really, Drew? I never would’ve guessed this place in a gazillion years. You outdid yourself.”

“Nah, I outdid myself when I found you.”

“Promise me something.” There’s urgency in my voice and he hears it because he sits up straighter and leans forward in his chair.

Taking my hand, he says, “Anything, babe. What is it?”

“Promise me you will fight this thing with everything you have. Because honestly, I don’t want to think about this world without you in it.” I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol, or what, but big fat tears power their way out and I can do nothing to stop them. And this is the part I hate the worst. I’m the one who should be strong. I’m the one who should be comforting him—pushing him on. But no, he pulls me into his lap and he’s my strength. His hands rub a path up and down my back while he whispers things to me and I have no idea what they are.

When the tears ebb enough for me to speak, I ask, “Is there anything you’re holding back? Anything you’re keeping from me?”

“No, Cate. I’m telling you everything and will always do that.”

“Okay. I’m sorry I fell apart.”

“Why are you sorry? You’re scared. I’m scared. I don’t know how long I’m going to live.”

“Don’t say that.”

“It’s true, Cate. But none of us do. Hell, we could die in a plane crash on the way home. Realistically, we won’t, but the fact is we all face death. It’s the circle of life. I see it at work all the time so I think I’m a bit more practical about it than you.”

“I can’t let myself think that way. You’re young and strong enough to beat it.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for. But Cate, if I don’t …”

“Stop it, Drew. I don’t want to hear that.”

He nods and presses his lips together. I guess he knows I’ve had enough of this talk. We sit for the rest of the night, me on his lap, watching the night sky over the sea. I know this talk is prophetic, or at least it’s Drew’s way of trying to prepare me if the worst happens. Only I don’t let myself get prepared. But I’m not sure anyone really can.

THE FORCED SMILE ON MY face is plastered there. I remember the times going out with friends who really didn’t want to be with me, but would rather be hanging out with their hot boyfriends. Now I have a hot boyfriend that I’d rather be home with. But it’s okay to hang out with friends, I tell myself. I can practically hear Jenna saying that I don’t have to spend every waking moment with Drew.

“Cate, what’s wrong? You’ve gone pale.”

I blink. “Sorry, nothing.”

I recall I have asked Andy nothing about his health. In fact, I should schedule my annual physical. Survival rate of anything improves the sooner it’s found. Then I chide myself. Andy knows better than the rest of us to take care of himself. I won’t ask him. He’ll think I’m babying him.

“Cate.”

I glance up.

“You’re not even in the room. I’m telling you about Daniel.”

Her lips pokes out and I feel bad. “Sorry, Mandy. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Yeah, that hot doctor. You’ve never really told me about how you know him, where you met. What’s the story?”

The story…

“It’s complicated.”

There is no way I can explain the convoluted nature of our relationship. Mandy, however, folds her arms over her chest and I sigh.

“He’s from Charleston, like me,” I toss out, like that explains everything.

She nods and I’m glad she’s accepted the simple truth of Andy and my origins.

“Obviously things are going well. You’d rather be out with him than me.”

I open my mouth to protest and a male voice speaks instead.

“Excuse me.”

We look up from the leatherette sofa we’ve commandeered to turn to face a man in a suit with dark hair and eyes staring hard at Mandy while leaning on the back of one of the chairs in front of us.

“Can I buy you ladies a drink?”

I’m about to say no, but Mandy beats me to it.

“Yes, yes you can.”

The wattage on her smile has turned to super nova levels. He’s quite handsome and the way the suit fits him like a glove spells expensive and not off the rack.

“We’re actually having wine,” Mandy explains.

The man raises a finger to a waitress walking by. “Can you bring the ladies a bottle of Domaine Vacheron 2012 Les Romains Sauvignon Blanc?”

Mandy lifts her eyebrow because the wine he’s ordered isn’t cheap, not to mention he rattles if off in perfect French. Then again, the bar and lounge Mandy has chosen is frequented by nearby professionals and up and coming lawyers. He takes a seat in the chair that he’d been leaning on. It’s one of two high back chairs on the opposite side of a small table that separates us.

Unfortunately for me, he glances to the bar and waves over a friend who makes his way over and takes the chair across from me.

“I’m Jared and this is my friend Scott.”

Mandy is too pleased and is quick to reciprocate with our names. “I’m Mandy and this is Cate.”

We exchange nods and Mandy and Jared start to make conversation. It leaves me and Scott to entertain ourselves. Scott is kind of cute. He’s a ginger with a warm smile. Someone I might have dated if I wasn’t already involved. The key words being, I’m involved, and I don’t want to have to explain that to him. It always makes the situation weird because most guys think women use that as an excuse when we aren’t interested.

“So what do you do?” Scott asks a little awkwardly.

I’m flattered he’s a little nervous. It only makes him that much cuter, but he’s not Andy.

“Cate, Mandy.”

We both glance up to find Daniel. Mandy’s eyes widen before they narrow. I feel a little giddy because this is the distraction I need.

“Sit and join us.” Then I glance at the two guys ready to make introductions. “This is Daniel and…”

“Tammy,” the redhead receptionist supplies.

“And this is Jared and Scott,” I announce.

There is only a place on the sofa next to me and another chair left in the little grouping. Daniel sits on the sofa and Tammy takes the chair next to Scott. The waitress with superb timing shows up with our wine, so Jared offers them a glass.

“Guinness, please,” Daniel orders instead.

Tammy accepts the wine. The waitress is forced to go and get another glass. Jared and Scott order a couple of fingers of Scotch and we all sit there until Mandy blurts out, “Daniel, weren’t you working late tonight? I thought you had a project to complete.”

Music plays softly in the background, but the few seconds of silence is deafening with Mandy’s accusatory statement.

Daniel shoots back, “It’s not due until Tuesday. But thanks for your concern. I’m sure my boss will appreciate your diligence in making sure I meet my deadlines.”

Talk about awkward. Jared and Scott glance away as if not to watch the train wreck happening.

“So Jared, do you and Scott work together?” I interject, trying to break the tension Mandy and Daniel have created.

Jared’s face smooths out. He begins to speak about the law firm he works for and a pro-bono case he and Scott just wrapped up. The case is about a girl with a disease that causes bad seizures who would benefit from the use of medical marijuana. Mandy, who practically leans into Jared’s lap, hangs on to his every word.

I stay quiet because I know how helpful it can be, especially when it comes to pain management and nausea, but there is no way I’m talking about it. I’m sure if Andy were here, he would have a lot to add to the conversation. And with an MD behind his name, they would be hard pressed not to listen.