His chest tightens. She heard his confession. Rafael has to come clean. Or risk losing his best friend of six years. The one who’s been there through every heartbreak, who holds their entire friend group together.
Besides, he’s been aching to confide in someone about Kane for weeks. Now that Lian knows, maybe he can share his relationship with a friend.
“I’m sorry,” Rafael begins. “I’ve been wanting to tell you about him, but it’s…a bit complicated, and we’ve only just started seeing each other.”
Her expression softens, hair reverting to black. She sighs and settles on the ottoman between his bed and desk. “It’s okay, Raffy.” Lian takes his hands in hers. “I forgive you.”
A smile tugs at his lips. She can be surprisingly understanding at times, at least with matters of the heart.
“But now you owe me the full story,” Lian teases with a smirk. “How’d you two meet? How long have you been together? Which corp does he work for? And what’s his name?”
“Hold on a minute,” Rafael chuckles, his excitement leaking into his voice despite himself. “Don’t you have to get back to work?”
Lian taps her wristlink. “Not yet! I’ve still got a few minutes…But enough about that—spill everything, Raffy! I’m so excited for you. You finally found a guy! Took you, what, two years to replace that loser from oncology?”
Warmth rises in him at her excitement,only to be snuffed out by reality. He can’t give the whole story. But maybe something close.
“Um…” Rafael gently pulls his hand from hers. “We met outside work. His friend—there was an accident. I was nearby and stepped in to help. Nurse instincts, you know…”
“Wait—why?” she cuts in, brows knitting. “He could’ve called a medtruck.”
His fingers drum the edge of his desk. “Oh—uh…they were on their way to a conference and didn’t want to be late waiting around. It wasn’t anything serious.” He forces a smile, pushing away the image of Echo motionless on the pool table. “A quick fix. That’s all.”
She nods, apparently believing his story. “So you guys stayed in touch after that? And started dating? Wait—who does he work for again? VitaCorp, Lux Systems, Mason Group?”
Rafael clears his throat. “Yeah, we—uh—stayed in touch after that. Bumped into each other a few times—” Almost every day for a week while he lived in the Outer Districts, patching up the crew. “We’ve gone on a few dates since then, and I guess it’s been a little over a month or so now.”
At least that part’s mostly true. What comes next isn’t even close.
“Uh…Lux Systems.” There’s only a slim chance she knows anyone there. The utility giant’s known for its brutal culture and cutthroat interviews. Most people avoid it.
“Oh, okay!” Lian shrugs. “So what’s with all the secrecy? Is it because you two aren’t official yet? Or did you just keep it from me in particular?”
He shakes his head. “No, not just you. I promise. I haven’t even told my sister or my parents yet.” Rafael fiddles with theedge of his desk, stalling for something believable.
“At first, I wasn’t sure what we were to each other, and part of me still doesn’t know. But now…well, because…he’s not from around here.” Rafael hesitates but eventually commits. “He’s from…the Emerald Isles!”
The lie is almost perfect. The city’s far enough to sound plausible, but no one in their circle would ever go there unless they’re willing to spend thousands on a high-speed HOV ticket or brave a journey through the Rust Valley.
She raises a brow. “Emerald Isles? Well, I guess that explains your V-link date.” Lian gestures at the headset. “But why was he here in Nova City?”
Rafael shrugs, trying to seem casual. “He—he was visiting Nova City on a business trip. Something with Lux System’s local division.”
Lian’s eyes widen. “Ooh, fancy! He sounds important.”
A blush creeps into his cheeks. Kaneisimportant, only not in the way she thinks.
“So…when do I get to meet this mystery man? And are you going to tell Gavin and Divya soon? Cause if you don’t, you know I will.”
“Yes, tomorrow at lunch. I’ll let them know.”
Thankfully, she’s not close with his parents, so no risk of anything reaching them. But once she knows, his friends will find out fast. He might as well give them the news himself. Hopefully, Kane won’t mind the alternate story.
Rafael wishes he could be honest and share the real Kane with her—a man from the streets of Shreveport who rose to become a leader and protector. But for now, Kane of the Emerald Isles and Lux Systems will have to do.
A ping slices through the room. He stiffens,relaxing only when Lian swipes her wristlink.
“Ugh, I’ve gotta go.” She stands. “But hey, I’m glad you told me, Rafael. I’m really happy for you. I just wish you’d told me sooner.”