“Bet I know who that little bird was, too.”Lana has such a big mouth.
“Soooo…how’d it go? I mean, if you stayed overnight, it couldn’t have beenthatbad.”
I shook my head and collapsed into my chair, propping my feet on the desk. “Did you know he and I fell in love when we were teenagers?” Dropping my gaze to my aquamarine-colored skirt, I picked at a piece of lint, unwilling to meet her gaze any longer.
“I gathered that from what your sister told me.”
“And then he just up and left. No note, no text, no phone call. I found out it was because of my dad, but still. Then, out of the blue, he shows up again, throwing my life into another tilt-a-whirl, except this time we’re different, like our roles have been reversed or something.” I smoothed the fabric over my thigh. “It’s weird and complicated.”
Angela placed a hand over mine. “You grew up. Of course things changed.”
“I think he’s worse off than when we met. And he lied about using drugs, Angie.” Lifting my eyes to hers, I tried to stay strong, but the sting of tears—of betrayal—burned hot. “And yet…my feelings for him have come back ten-fold. I’m angry, I’m hopeful, I’m confused, but mostly I’m torn. What if all he needs is someone to help show him the way home? What if that someone is me?”
Those memories of Peter and Wendy flitted through my head.What if I’m Paxton’s second star to the right?
“I know a little something about addicts, you know.” Angela ran a hand through her long hair, flipping it over her shoulder. “Jeff was a terrible alcoholic. No matter how many times he’d quit, he’d always relapse. You want to know why?” Her gaze pierced me.
I nodded.
“Because he couldn’t change forme. The change needs to come from within, they have to do it for themselves. Not anyone else. Until that happens, it’s usually pointless to expect it to succeed for very long. At least that’s how I see it from my perspective.”
What she said made a lot of sense. Yet that little heartbroken voice inside my head had hoped maybe I’d be enough to inspire Paxton to do better, to be more.
“And he lied to you on your first date after all those years. That says a lot.”
“It wasnota date.” I crossed my arms over my chest and gave her my sternest stare.
She giggled. “Whatever you say. But I think that’s your sign he’s not ready, Terri.”
I inhaled a deep breath, focusing on the low murmur of the TV mounted in the corner playing the national news.
Not ready.She was right. Paxton had to want to help himself before anyone else could help him. I had to accept that and move on.
My phone buzzed with an incoming text.
Kyle: Hey pretty lady. Wanna get lunch? I’m in town and would love to see you.
Why couldn’t Paxton be like Kyle? Sweet, charming, an open book?
Stop thinking about Paxton. The best thing I can do for myself is let him go. For good.
Angela leaned over and gave me a quick hug, her clean, sweet scent a breath of fresh air. “I’m here for you girl if you need to talk or if you just need someone to listen. Gotta get back to the studio. Request hour is about to kick in and you know what that means.”
A gigantic laugh flew from my mouth. I returned the hug then pushed her away. “Go appease all those lovesick fools. Glad I ain’t one of them.”
“Mmm hmmm.” She hopped off my desk and sauntered down the hallway. “Tell Kyle I said hi.”
“Stop snooping my text messages,” I yelled as the door to the studio clicked shut.
I stared at the screen for a moment. Kyle deserved a chance, and so did I.
Me: Lunch sounds great. Any place in mind?
Kyle: How about your place?
Me: I live thirty minutes away from work.
Kyle: I know. Look outside.
