Aaron was surprised, to say the least, by Keeley's actions. In rapid succession, she teased him, cheered him up, cared for him, and declared she didn't hate him. It seemed too good to be true.

Granted, she also reiterated that their relationship was doomed from the start. This was the only realistic element; otherwise, he would have dismissed the morning as a beautiful dream.

He supposed it had been a dream. If he weren't a Hale, if they were just two people who fell in love, they might have had a chance. They had little in common beyond a mutual desire to be together.

Aaron didn't believe shared interests were essential for a successful relationship. Theirs had failed because they hadn't learned to compromise fairly (despite external schemes against them). Keeley sacrificed everything and ultimately resented him. He expected her to change without changing himself. But that's why he'd tried so hard to change in this life! He believed they could have a happy, equal relationship now if she gave him a chance.

He cracked open his good eye to peek at her as she drove. She was intensely focused on the road, following every instruction from his phone's GPS, which delivered directions in a robotic British accent from the car's cup holder since he was too unwell to navigate.

"You doing okay?" she asked after ten minutes of silence.

"Yeah. The ice helped."

"Don't overexert yourself," Keeley scolded. "You need to be at the wedding tomorrow, or Cameron will kill you."

"He's lucky I don't kill him," Aaron mumbled, making her laugh.

"Someone's bitter."

Of course he was! He was in pain and looked ridiculous, regardless of what she said. Although, she had complimented his appearance, even if no man wants to be called "beautiful." "Handsome" or "sexy" would be preferable, but he'd take what he could get. He couldn't recall her last compliment before today.

"Spoken like someone who's never been shot in the eye with a paintball."

"Why did you even go? You hate that sort of thing. You never came when I asked," she pointed out.

"I was trying to be a good friend. That's exactly why I hate it," Aaron said gruffly.

She suppressed a smile and turned left. "I think that wins you Friend of the Year."

Keeley grew serious. "You know, I didn't think you cared about friends, but the wedding proved me wrong. You're a really good friend. Aiden and Cameron are lucky to have you."

Another compliment. How bizarre. He noted she didn't include herself. His heart sank. They were definitely friends before her discovery of his rebirth.

"Are we not friends, then?"

She turned to him at a stoplight, frowning. "I don't know what to call us. It's definitely not 'friends,' though."

He supposed she had a point. Their situation was unique. Probably no other couple in history had experienced what they had.

"You could use 'friends' for lack of a better term. We take care of each other. Isn't that what friends do?"

Keeley seemed unsure. "I guess so but friends' motivations aren't so complicated."

So she felt conflicted about caring for him. But considering her frantic reaction to his dizziness if he didn't know better, he'd think her concern was genuine. It was something she would have done when they were dating.

Aaron sighed, ruefully. More likely, she was returning a favor. She had a strong sense of fairness.

"I know you're only helping me because I've helped you."

She shook her head. "That's not true."

"Then what is it?" It was the only explanation he could think of.

Keeley hesitated. "Ask me later. We're here."

They had arrived at the restaurant. She let him out to find parking and told him to wait if he got dizzy. He sat on a bench until she returned, and they went in together.

The appetizers were cold, but Valentina kept her word. Keeley devoured her share with such gusto that Aaron barely suppressed a laugh.

His vague headache intensified during the meal. He could barely focus on his food.

The woman he loved chatted happily with bridesmaids and Aiden, outgoing and friendly as ever. This didn't stop her from noticing his deteriorating condition.

She signaled a waiter and asked for two to-go boxes.

Valentina raised an eyebrow. "Where are you going? You've hardly touched your food."

"Aaron needs to lie down if he's going to be at the wedding tomorrow, and someone needs to drive him," Keeley explained. "We'll see you in the morning, okay?"

Cameron frowned. "You sure you're alright, Aaron?"

"I just need to sleep," he said wearily. "I won't miss your wedding."

"Don't you worry!" she reassured the bride and groom, picking up the boxes and ushering Aaron out. "Thanks for the food!"

He was confused back in the car, making his headache worse. She'd been having a good time; how did she notice his pain? More importantly, why didn't she leave him with Aiden?

He didn't understand her complete change in attitude toward him.

The final sentence is a bit awkwardly phrased but is grammatically correct. The promotional text at the end was removed.