"Um, not yet." My heart was thumping, and I extricated myself from Mitch's embrace, wondering if another, more intimate one was coming, or if that would be the last time she ever held me. Please, please, don't let it be the last time. "Mitch, I need to ask you a question."

"Okay, shoot."

"No, I'm serious, and you have to promise me that you'll tell me the truth." My voice was shaking.

The playful smile evaporated from her face. "Cindy, what's this about?"

"You have to promise. Even if it's hard, even if it's scary. The truth."

"Okay, I promise." Her eyes were scared, so I reached out and took...