You mind taking a walk?Her lips purse the way they do when she’s about to get serious. I know it’s coming. She’s my mother, so I should probably give her the opportunity to comfort me. I’m sure she’s been rehearsing what she wants to say ever since Holt broke the news.
We head outside into the brisk November air. The sun set a little while ago leaving sharp striations in the autumn sky of purple and bronze, a stunning combination that makes you wish you can share it with someone special. I wrap my arm around Mom because I am doing just that.
We pause at the end of the long wraparound porch, and she presses a kiss to the top of my head.
Do you want to talk about it?She edges in.
Not really.I shrug into the dark maroon night.He’s gone. You can all say I told you so. I deserve it.
Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.She pulls me into a long embrace.They say your first love hurts the most. You never truly get over the first person who breaks your heart.
A flood of relief washes over me when she says those words.
A part of me never wants to get over Blake.
I don’t think I will.
Seven-thirty can’t get herefast enough. Roxy and Cole drive me back to campus. I think they were happy to call it a night. All the way home she smiles and giggles at whatever he says, and Cole flirts with her madly as if they’ve just met. I want to stick my hand down my throat and puke all over the interior of his truck.
Instead, I thank them both by way of a hug. Roxy gives me two thumbs up.
“You’re a strong girl. You’re going to rock the rest of this semester.”
A part of me dies a little when she says the word rock. Anything associated with music makes me dive deeper into mourning.
“If you want, over Christmas break”—Roxy speaks extra slow and does strange things with her hands in an effort to help me understand—“you can work part time with me in the kitchen. I’ve got sales going through the roof.” She points up, and I try not to smile at the effort. I appreciate it. “I can really use an extra pair of hands.”
I nod as I type into my phone.I would love that. Thank you.
They take off for their apartment, and I make a beeline for Hallowed Grounds. Just the thought of being so close to Kaya makes me feel giddy far more than I thought possible these last few days.
There she is! Standing in front of the café is my beautiful, bouncy best friend, Kaya. Her blonde hair is tipped with pink, and she’s wearing black-laced boots that travel all the way up to her thighs. A short red coat completes the look that shoutslook at me, world!
I’ve always admired Kaya’s moxie. I can hardly wait to introduce her to Marley. I know they’ll get along great.
Kaya spots me and gives a wild wave. We come at one another like two freight trains ready to collide, and we do. Kaya and I engage in one long, rocking hug that draws the laughter out of me whether I want it to or not.
I’ve missed you like crazy.I make a face because I’ve just smiled and laughed for the first time in a week.Thank you for coming out.
She frowns. I’m afraid you’re going to be seeing a lot more of my ugly face. I’m coming home for spring semester.
Will you be at Whitney? I’m so excited I can’t breathe.
I’m applying, so we’ll see.
A group of girls walk by, and I recognize two of them as the horrible twits from Digital Studios, Courtney and her ridiculous leader, Johanna.
What’s going on?Kaya has always been perceptive when it comes to my emotions.
Not the nicest crowd, that’s all.We make our way toward the café, and a familiar kind-hearted face comes around the corner.
Kaya, I want you to meet your future husband, Tristan. He looks freshly showered and shaven. He’s really put in an effort for tonight, and it shows. My stomach pinches with a wave of jealousy. Tristan is honest and one of the nicest people on the planet. I thought I had found all those attributes and more in someone else, but I guess I was wrong.
Future husband?Kaya’s eyes enlarge as she quickly sizes him up.Annie is anything if she’s not subtle. Nice to meet you. I like my eggs sunny side up and served with two slices of bacon—make that four. I’m up for a destination wedding, but I’m open to locations.
Nice to meet you, and does France sound okay?Tristan raises his brows.
They share a laugh, and there’s already a tenderness between them that has me feeling like a third wheel. Tristan hasn’t once taken his eyes off her. Maybe there really is something brewing here?
