Keeley was surprised Aaron hadn't spent more time with her over Christmas break. It was the best opportunity until her week off in March. He'd turned down her request to use his TV, claiming he was swamped with work.

She wasn't upset, but she wondered what was going on. Aaron always made time for her. What was so important about this project?

He still texted daily, but it wasn't the same. Valentina was out of the country, and Jennica, back from Christmas with Cameron's family, seemed even closer to Aaron. She spent half her nights at his place, consumed with audition preparations.

Drowning in boredom, Keeley spent most days with Ryan after work. They played games, went to movies and bowling, and had dinner during the week and a half before school resumed.

Aaron's busyness continued through January. Keeley didn't see him until he invited her to dinner in early February, after another business trip.

"Who's been taking care of Dinah while you've been gone?" she demanded, enveloped in his hug.

"You haven't seen me for over a month, and that's your first question?"

She looked at him expectantly. He sighed. "She has timed feeders and a self-cleaning litter box. Aiden's checked on her every few days."

Appeased, she released him, and they entered the restaurant. "Why so much traveling lately? At least four trips in a month!"

"I'm working on acquisitions. It's busy, but hopefully, it won't last."

Good. His absence had been strange after his constant presence in December. She wouldn't admit that.

They caught up, and Keeley enjoyed herself. Aaron wasn't the most entertaining, but he wasn't a block of wood anymore. Conversation flowed naturally.

"I'm going out of town again next week," he confessed. "But I'd like to get together afterward. Will you be free?"

"Midterms aren't until early March, so I'll have time. Just let me know."

He dropped her off, and she waved goodbye in a good mood. Seeing him had been nice. Absence truly makes the heart grow fonder.

Inside her apartment stood Jennica, tanned, in a tropical sundress, suitcase beside her.

Keeley hugged her. "Jen! How was the Bahamas?!"

Aaron wasn't the only one traveling; Cameron had taken Jennica to Nassau for a week—a pre-audition vacation.

Jennica beamed. "Amazing! I spent most of it on the beach while Cam was busy at the resort. We spent a few hours a day together. And—we swam with dolphins! I have to show you pictures."

Keeley spent the next hour listening to Jennica's tales and looking at photos. One caught her eye: Jennica and Cameron, arms around each other on the beach, wind in their hair.

Their bright grins showed how much they cared. They looked like newlyweds.

A pang hit Keeley. She and Aaron hadn't looked that happy on their honeymoon. She'd been the one smiling; he'd been expressionless. And he'd never taken her on a business trip.

It was silly to dwell on the past; Aaron was gone. This was different—they were friends, not husband and wife.

"Sothings are getting serious, right?" Keeley asked.

Jennica shrugged, smiling softly. "I'd say so. I think he's planning to propose on Valentine's Day."

"Seriously?! How do you know?"

"I don't know for sure," she admitted. "But we've talked about marriage, and he said I shouldn't schedule auditions that day, so"

It shouldn't have been surprising. They'd been inseparable from the start. When you know, you know—or so Keeley had heard.

She and Aaron had dated for two and a half years before discussing marriage, engaged a year later, and it still hadn't worked out. Love and time weren't necessarily correlated.

"Cameron's a good guy; I'm happy for you," she said truthfully, despite her bitterness.

If anyone could have a successful relationship, it was them. They were always on the same page.

"Thanks! Any Valentine's Day plans?" Jennica winked. "Any cute guys in your department ask you out? Valentina has a date with that TA."

"Nah, pizza with Ryan. He couldn't find a date either."

Jennica eyed her suspiciously. "Are you sure that's not a date?"

Keeley snorted. "With Ryan? No way. We're too buddy-buddy."

Jennica seemed to want to say more but stopped.

What was wrong with two single people hanging out on Valentine's Day? It was better than watching Project Runway alone, which had been her plan before Ryan's invitation.

(The promotional text at the end has been removed as requested.)