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“I know”

He froze, then exhaled deeply “Good That…sucked I need to es Fast The headaency this summer He didn’t want to rain on the parade today, so he’ll do it later”

“Oh What did you say?”

“Nothing He caught ure it out, though,” he said confidently

“I know you will” I heaved ain “I wish you luck”

Blake stood slowly, his forehead creased in a deep frown “Ash, talk to me”

“I don’t have much to say, but I suppose I should inforer be part of your journey I failed”

“Excuse me?”

“I failed I was unable to remain impartial I’ve become too…attached,” I choked

“Ash…” He tippedmy jawline “I’et aithout—”

“It’s not Katie, Blake It’s not her at all It’s me Perhaps we can be friends I’ll need soh”

“We’re ruffly

“No, I can’t” I pushed his hand away and shook ue tear from my cheek

“You can’t…what?”

“I can’t be your friend, and I’m not qualified to help you You have to do the rest yourself It’s your life That’s your job, your students, your livelihood I can’t take responsibility for those changes you talk about y away fro your head I neverto help But I’m in your way”

“You’re not in the way You’re the only person who makes sense to me”

I shook s about anize…everything But I can’t organize your co I want Don’t you see? It’s yours You have to write the ending I can’t do it”

“I get that, but…what does that have to do with us?”

My vision blurred when I ether for now Maybe…soht this second, I’m not what you need”

His breath hitched audibly His hand trembled as he dropped it to his side

“You’re all I need,” he whispered

“Blake…”