Chapter 39: No Need to Take Charge

Emily looked up into his eyes, and the night they first met came back so vividly. Byron had the same pained look when he talked about Nova Summers, just like when Emily first saw him standing alone on the bridge.

"I'm not going anywhere," she said, "The fact that you told me this already means you're trying to get better. You're not in denial anymore."

"One tiny step," he admitted, the muscles in his jaw tight as he stared out into the ocean, "...which might not lead anywhere."

Emily pulled his face closer as if it was going to convince him to listen to her. "I know in your mind you're already scheming for a way to get out of having to do therapy, but you're going to do it."

"Good God, what have I gotten myself into?" Byron said with a grin, "Can I take back what I said about you being my girlfriend?"

"No, too late!" Emily said, laughing.

"I thought you were my cure," he said, looking deeply into her eyes, "I always feel good when I'm around you, but I know it's not fair to put t