I don’t even hesitate to give it to her. “0312.” Her entire demeanor shifts from casual to frozen. It takes her a few minutes to look up at me, and when she does, the surprise in her eyes glistens. “March twelfth,” she repeats. I nod, knowing exactly what that date is. “Your birthday.” Her eyes flit from the phone to meet mine, as confusion and vulnerability etch on her face. “Why?” she asks, voice trembling. “Why did you use my birthday as your code?” Suddenly feeling everything she’s not saying, I swallow roughly. “Because…” I begin, needing to clear my throat. “You’re important to me.
...more
