It had been a semi-sweet first week since Emily's return. I was happy to have my friend back and see her in a better situation. She seemed more comfortable the longer she was away from Dylan and his family. But Gray and I still hadn't revealed our relationship to her. It never felt like the right time.

Gray was ready two days ago. I was the one who hesitated. Every time I thought about telling her, there was a weight on my chest. It was almost like I felt guilty or afraid of things returning to where they were before Emily left.

Initially, I suggested to Gray that he and I drive separately to work until we tell her the truth. He disagreed, saying there was nothing wrong with carpooling to work. I almost regretted it instantly when I saw Emily's confused expression as she saw us pulling into the parking garage that Monday morning in my car. The guilt continued to pile on my chest.

It was a quiet Friday evening. The three of us were the last in the office. Every day this week was awkward, with me trying to find alone time with Gray after work. Because every day, Emily waited for Gray.

I watched her stroll up to Gray as he straightened his files on his desk.

"Hey Gray," Emily called out. She sounded nervous. "Can I talk to you about something?"

Gray paused as he glanced at me. I put my head down and pretended to look for something in a drawer, hoping neither would notice my annoyance.

"Sure, Emily," Gray replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "What's on your mind?"

Emily hesitated momentarily, looking down at her hands before meeting Gray's gaze. "Actually, can we talk over some drinks? How does The Black Cat sound? It's been a long time since it was just the two of us there."

I looked up. I felt my tongue try to swallow itself. Gray glanced at me again.

"Sure, I'd love to," he replied. "And Ella can join us too. I think it would be nice for you two to get more time together as well."

Emily's face fell slightly. "Actually, I was hoping we could have this drink alone. I wanted to apologize to you for some things."

I smiled sadly and spoke up. "That's alright, Emily. I understand. I'll head home then. You two have fun."

Emily looked slightly surprised, her brows furrowing. "Are you sure, Ella? I didn't mean to exclude you."

I forced a wider smile. "No, really, it's fine. I have some things to do anyway. You two go ahead and talk."

They needed to have this conversation, but it still hurt. It was difficult for me and Emily to get as close as we once were when I kept this secret. I started to think Emily knew I was keeping something from her.

We all rode the elevator down to the parking garage. I walked to my car alone. As I unlocked it, I turned and watched them walk out to the street towards the bar.

Once I got settled into my car, I texted Gray, asking him not to tell her about us yet. I wanted us to tell her together. That was probably why he wanted me to come with them.

After I parked my car on the street in front of my building, I walked to the park nearby. I strolled up to the large tree Gray and I often sit under. I sent him another text to meet me there after he talked to Emily. I waited thirty minutes before he replied, saying he would be there shortly.

I sighed. Whenever he said 'shortly,' it could mean ten minutes or two hours. I leaned against the tree and watched people walk in front of the fountain.

The sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the park. But despite the beautiful evening, I couldn't shake the sudden feeling of unease.

I checked my phone for another message from Gray, but nothing. I stood up and walked across the grass toward the fountain. My legs needed a quick stretch.

Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of a nightmarish figure stepping around from the other side of the fountain. I held my breath and staggered. It couldn't be him, could it? 

My mind raced as I tried to process what I was seeing. The way he walked, the way he carried himself, it all seemed too familiar. His hair was longer but the same dirty color.

My heart pounded even harder. My palms grew clammy. I quickened my pace as I turned around in the opposite direction, desperate to distance myself from this possible threat.

I imagined the worst-case scenario. What if he recognized me? What if he knew where I lived and worked? These thoughts sent a chill down my spine.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw that the man was still there, his figure growing closer with every passing moment. Fear gripped me, making it difficult to breathe. It had been so long since I'd felt this trapped, utterly terrified.

Without thinking, I ducked into the café across the street, seeking refuge. I stood in a corner by the window, scanning the busy street outside. Though I never wished to see him again, I needed to confirm whether it was my ex-husband, Adam.

Minutes turned into what felt like hours as I anxiously waited. The café buzzed with the sounds of clinking cups and hushed conversations, but all I could hear was my heart pounding.

As more time passed, I realized that it was just a coincidence. My mind was playing tricks on me. If it were really Adam, he would have followed me in here. Fear slowly began to subside, replaced by a lingering sense of caution.

Suddenly, I felt my phone vibrating aggressively in my pocket. I gasped and stumbled back into the corner. A couple sitting at the table near me stared.

I let out a nervous chuckle as I turned my back to their table. Then fumbled my phone out of my pocket. I was scared I would see a message from Adam for a second, but I remembered I had changed my phone number after the divorce. 

I felt a wave of relief when I saw it was a text from Gray. He just got to the tree and didn't see me there. Taking a deep breath, I stepped back onto the street and walked back through the park to meet Gray. 

The moment our eyes met, I saw his sweet smile. I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. I ran up to him and wrapped my arms around him. My head nestled into his shoulder.

"Hey, Hey." Gray whispered. "What's wrong sweetie?"

He rubbed my back with his strong but gentle hands. Goosebumps covered my arms as I lifted my head.

"We need to tell her. It's stressing me out more and more."

Gray smiled and wiped my tears with his thumb. "Whenever you want to."

I pressed my cheek into his hand. "Tomorrow."

He nodded and brushed his lips against mine. "Tomorrow," he whispered.

We held each other as we walked home. It didn't matter if it was his apartment or mine. It was home wherever I was with him.