He flushed then sagged against the bowl, sitting on the bathroom floor. A gentle hand rested on his head and fingers ran through his hair. He took comfort from the touch and knew it was Gabriella's without looking.

"Promise me."

"What, Ben?"

"Promise me you won't abandon your dream just because of me. I don't think I'd survive that. Everything else can be fixed but not that," he said quietly.

Tears were running down her cheeks as she stroked his head. "How can I be away from you when you need me?" she whispered.

"I'll always need you. Your moving to Milan doesn't mean I'm giving you up. I'm never...