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the drive home.
    “That was nice,” Emily said as I pulled out of the parking lot, heading back to the highway that would take us back to school.
    “It was. I’m glad our parents get along so well. Not everyone is that lucky.”
    “I know. I did miss your sister today, but your mom said something about her coming to visit soon.”
    “That sounds like fun. We can make sure to take her to the frat house. I’d be willing to bet her campus has no idea how to party like we do.”
    “Oh, like you’re a big party animal these days.” I caught her rolling her eyes when I glanced over quickly.
    It was true. Ever since Emily and I’d gotten really serious, that environment wasn’t where I wanted to be. It was more important to me to spend time with Emily, doing things together. Standing around drinking, trying to look for a girl to take home for the night couldn’t compare.
    “True, but that’s only because I prefer spending time with you.”
    “You’d better,” she said with mock censure.
    I took another peek over at her. Emily’s shoulders were slumped forward as she continued to yawn every few seconds. While she’d tried to put on a face for everyone else, I knew she was exhausted. Over the last week, she’d spent a lot of time helping Josh out with Lauren. Lauren got into a fight with her ex-boyfriend last weekend while we were out for Nick’s birthday—an altercation that resulted in her hurting her shoulder. Unfortunately, her injury had required surgery, forcing her to stop playing softball for the season. Josh had been taking care of her at his apartment so she could stay at school and not miss any classes.
    Between her own classes, and helping Lauren keep up, Emily was exhausted. Even when she would get to bed at a decent hour, she had trouble staying asleep. There had been enough nights where I’d watched her toss and turn in her sleep, only to startle herself awake and then try to fall asleep again. It was as if her mind turned on and she couldn’t find a way to turn it off. I was doing everything I possibly could to pitch in and help as much as possible.
    Taking my hand off the gearshift, I rested it on Emily’s shoulder.
    “Why don’t you take a nap, sweetheart? I know you need it.”
    “I’m fine. I’ll keep you company while you drive.”
    “The radio can keep me company. Put the seat back and take a nap.”
    “Are you telling me what to do?” Her eyes narrowed as she tried to stare me down.
    “I am. Please take a nap. It’s not that long a drive. I’ll be fine, but I don’t want to keep worrying about you. It will make me feel better if you’d get some sleep.”
    What I was hoping for was that she would fall into a good sleep and that she’d stay asleep when we got back to my place. It’s not that I wanted to give up my time with Emily, but she needed the rest. Keeping my eyes on the road, I gave her the best puppy dog face I could.
    “Fine. I’ll lie back . . . but I’m not taking a nap.”
    That’s what she thinks. I knew the minute she lay back and closed her eyes she’d fall asleep. Hopefully, the happy conversations about wedding plans would take over her mind and she’d dream about that instead of all the other things she worried about.

Emily
    IT WAS QUIET. TOO QUIET. I didn’t want to open my eyes because, somewhere in the back of my mind, I realized that we weren’t in the car anymore. Instead I was on something soft and comfortable. Turning to my side, the spicy smell of Andrew drifted across my nose.
    His pillow.
    We’d gotten back and somehow I’d made it into his room, although I had no recollection of walking up here. The creak of the door had me opening my eyes. Andrew walked into the room and over to the bed.
    “Hey,” I murmured, my voice rough with sleep.
    “Hi.” He smiled and brushed a piece of hair away from my face.
    Pulling myself into a sitting position, I looked around for a clock. Then I remembered that Andrew used his phone for everything.