“Did you girls have fun?” Mom asked over the back seat. I suppose she saw something in my expression because her smile faltered. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “Would it be okay if Sam came over during our school break?”

Mom blinked. “I’ll talk it over with your father.”

“Thanks,” I said and turned to hug Sam tight. “Promise me...” I couldn’t say what I wanted because I couldn’t put it in words. It was just a deep longing for her and the connection I felt.

“I promise,” Sam whispered in my hair like she knew what I meant.

“Good,” I said and kissed her goodbye. “Call me later?”

Sam...