JAREDMy eyes widened. "W-what?!" I almost choked on my own spit. "Slow down, Nina. We're never going to happen. You're a beautiful girl..."

"Woman." She corrected firmly.

"Sorry. You're a beautiful woman and I'm sure there are guys your age who'll be willing to..."

"I don't want them. It's you I want, Jared. And it's you I'll have." She rose from her seat. "Come see me off. I have somewhere else to be."

"I can't let you go alone. I'll have to reach out to my uncle, then he'll reach out to your ...