CHAPTER 75: LAST NAME

"What's your last name?" I ask, suddenly realizing that I've never inquired before. He's never let it slip.

"Chavez," he responds quietly. "Is that news to you?"

"No, you've never mentioned it or said it. You don't share much about yourself," I say, shrugging. "I just thought it would be nice to know before I visit your family."

After that, he falls silent for a while. It's almost as if he doesn't know how to respond.

"Look, I don't want you to feel like you're in the dark. If you ask, I'll tell you anything you want to know. I've already shared more with you than with most people I talk to," he says quietly.

Then they begin calling first-class passengers and members to board. He clears his throat, stands up, and nods for me to do the same.

"That's us," he says, and I follow him to the desk, where Kent checks our tickets and we show our IDs. After retrieving our documents, as I step into the tunnel leading to the plane, he places his hand on my shoulder. As he does so, my throat