“Will you just tell me you love me already?” I ask with a grin to show that I’m only teasing. Of course, I only partly mean it. He would never know that though, unless he actually tells me.

The panic that flashes through his irises tells me everything I need to know. My heart sinks.

I push out a laugh that even a child could see through, and lean forward. “Josh, I was only kidding… Gosh, like being in love with me would be the worst case scenario.”

His dark eyes widen. “Tess, no that’s not where my… I uh- there are things that… how do I say this…?”

“I get it, Josh, I do. Life’s complicated, you’re not ready for, for whatever this is, and we’re just going in two different life directions. I’ve heard it before. But really, no need for the speech, because, like I said, it was a joke.”

It’s almost is painful how humiliating this is. Obviously, I regret the joke.

“No, Tess. Just listen for a second.”

I wait. He stares at me a moment before blowing out a puff of air. He runs a hand through his dark hair and looks out the restaurant window. Okay… this is odd. Maybe he’s married. Has four kids in the Hamptons and needs me to babysit for him. That’d be awkward. Asking your girlfriend of six months to babysit your kids… No, it can’t be that. Maybe he’s gay.

“Look, Josh, I’m sorry, I should’ve never made that silly joke. Obviously, we are moving at a great place, and we should continue to let things happen organically. I shouldn’t have even said anything.”

“I’m him.” His eyes meet mine in a firm stare. No room for hesitation. But I frown.

“You’re who?”

“The one in the news. The vigilante… the so called ‘superhero’. It’s me. I’m the one… doing these things.”

I blink. My mind hasn’t caught up with my ears yet. Perhaps I’m dreaming. Or he’s dreaming and I’m just meeting him there. Don’t know how that would work, but who knows these days?

Weren’t we just talking about the basketball game we’re going to see next week?

“Oh.” Is all I can manage this moment.

“Are you okay?” Concern fills his features. He reaches out to touch my hand, but seems to think better of it. He pulls it back to his drink.

“Mhm.” My tone sounds too high pitched. I mean, technically, this isn’t a bad thing per say… he’s saving the city… it’s a pretty noble job. If anything, I should be proud of him. Excited. Nervous for his safety. But exhilarated.

I look back up at him. “I have a lot of questions.”

Relief floods his features now that I’m saying actual sentences again. “Anything.”

We are about to really get into this. But, first things first, “But actually, Are you in love with me though?”

He laughs, his whole face shining, and nods. He grabs my hands and kisses each knuckle. “Tess, yes. I should’ve just said it right away, but I was too anxious about… the other thing. I am in love with you. Very much so.”

I grin and squeeze his hands. “And I’m in awe of your bravery. I love you too. Thank you for sharing your secret with me.”