Keeley scrutinized the stranger across the table, realizing she didn't recognize this timeline's Aaron Hale at all. He wore a long-sleeved T-shirt and sweatpants—actual lounge clothes!—and petted a cat while conversing with her like a normal, feeling person. It was bizarre. Absolutely bizarre.

This man looked identical to her ex-husband and shared many mannerisms, but otherwise, he was completely different. He wasn't nearly as bossy, overbearing, or cold. In high school, she might have believed they were the same person, but now, those five years felt like a lifetime. She wondered again if it was fair to judge him for the other Aaron's sins. Since reconnecting months ago, he'd been surprisingly thoughtful, sincerely trying to be her friend, and not annoyingly encroaching on her life. Was Aaron Hale actually lonely?

"Um…not to be rude…but am I the only friend you have who isn't on your payroll?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I see you're as direct as ever. And yes, you are."

Great. Now she felt even guiltier. He was lonely; that's why he clung to her. How could she ditch a lonely person, even if he strongly resembled the one she hated? No wonder he texted daily and dropped everything to bring her food or help when she was sick. Inexplicably, she'd become her enemy's best friend. The irony was overwhelming.

"That's really sad, Aaron. You need better friends."

"Where?" he asked with a bitter chuckle. "Everyone in this city knows me. It wouldn't work."

He had a point.

"Besides," Aaron said, his usual cool tone replacing the bitterness, "no one else makes brownies this good. You're all I need."

The sentiment was both sweet and frustrating. From someone else, she might have been touched. As it was, she realized she'd dug herself deeper by maintaining a friendly text relationship. He was even more dependent than before.

Would she ever escape him permanently? After being reborn, all she'd wanted was an Aaron-free life! This Aaron might be different, but he'd always evoke bad memories. She couldn't be swayed by guilt. Her life was her own; she owed him nothing, even if his life was pathetic.

"I have homework," she said, rising. "I need to go."

"Already?" Was that desperation in his tone, or was she imagining it? She had to stand her ground.

"Yes. I only had time to drop these off. PhD students never sleep, you know."

"Alright. Let me drive you back."

Surprised by his respect for her wishes, Keeley agreed. She kissed Dinah's furry head as the cat lay on the table before they headed to the parking garage.

Keeley said little on the drive, but Aaron was just happy to have her. She'd asked the oddest question earlier, though. What was she thinking? Did she…care what happened to him? It seemed so. If true, that was tremendous progress.

When she wanted to go home, he abandoned his week-long plan to keep her longer, not wanting their relationship to regress.

"Would you like to get lunch tomorrow?" he asked. "You choose the place."

"I visit my dad on Sundays."

Right. He'd forgotten. "How's your dad?"

Her expression fell. "I think he's lonely. I've been busy and missed a couple of weeks last month. Plus, the holidays are coming, and that's when he misses Mom most."

Aaron understood that feeling. He'd never loved holidays, but Keeley brought festiveness into his life. After she died, Christmas was forever tainted by memories.

"I could visit him," he offered. "He likes me; he'd appreciate the company."

Keeley's exaggerated shock almost made him laugh. "…he's my dad; you really don't have to."

He shrugged. "He's always been kind to me. It would be my honor."

Talking to Robert Hall might give him insight into winning over his daughter. It would be mutually beneficial.

"If you're sure…I'll tell you which Sundays I'm unavailable. It's his least busy day."

"I can do that."

"Thanks, Aaron. Maybe you're not so selfish after all."

It was almost a compliment. He'd take it. "Happy to help. Know I'm always available if you need anything. Anything at all."

"I know." She smiled, but it seemed heartbroken. That didn't fit the context.

Keeley waved goodbye as she exited the car in front of her fake apartment building. He wondered how long she'd keep up the charade. It had been months. She'd have to confess eventually.

Aaron intended to be an active part of her life. He'd even get to know her roommates if necessary. Aiden had managed it, so it couldn't be that hard. His goal: to marry Keeley again. No matter what, he'd make it happen. He'd be the supportive husband he should have been, and wouldn't force her to change. He'd be there for her PhD graduation, celebrate her accomplishments, and watch any movie she wanted, even if he disliked going to the theater. Anything to make her feel loved and happy this time.

The final paragraph with the website reference has been removed as it's irrelevant to the text cleanup and likely promotional material.