By the time Jarrod arrives to pick me up for our date an hour later, I've calmed down quite a bit. Just moments ago, I left a voicemail for Aurora, hoping that she's okay, but I've yet to hear back.

"Are you okay?" Jarrod asks as he leads me to his car. "You seem distracted."

"I have so much to tell you."

"Sounds ominous."

"You won't believe me when I tell you," I tell him.

He chuckles. "I can't wait to hear it."

I wait until he is sat next to me in ...