It would crumble under his heavy hand.
“Who knows? Things could still work out between you two,” Sofia says with far too much optimism. “It’s only been a day. Maybe once he thinks it over, he’ll realize he overreacted and come crawling back on his hands and knees, begging forgiveness.”
She perks up at that last part, as if the idea of seeing Nick brought low would give her immense pleasure. And maybe it would. Sofia’s loyal, and she’s always been the sort to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
But that’s not me. Not anymore. Nick helped me find my voice. And no matter how things ended between us, that’s something I will always be grateful for.
“Nick doesn’t believe in second chances,” I say, voice wavering. I take a deep breath and blow it out through my nose, the way my mindfulness app suggests. “Even if he did, I wouldn’t take him back.”
Sofia freezes, her martini glass halfway to her mouth. “Cómo?”
“I can’t be with Nick, no matter how much I lo—” I cut myself off before I can finish the thought. I am sonotgoing there. “No matter how much I care about him.”
Sofia scrunches up her nose, making no effort to hide her confusion. “You realize that makes no sense, right?”
“Actually, it makes perfect sense.” I take a fortifying sip of my pear martini, the alcohol burning a path straight to my belly. “I got so caught up in Nick’s world, in trying to tear down his walls, that I lost sight of what matters most.”
She stares expectantly, waiting for me to continue.
“I thought I could fix him, but that’s not my job. Nick has to fix himself.” I close my eyes, letting darkness wash over me for a heartbeat. “And step one? It’s wanting to change.”
I can’t make Nick change, and I can’t be the reason he wants to change. He has to want it for himself. He has to want to heal so that when he finally gives his heart to a woman, it’s complete.
I won’t settle for anything less.
“What are you going to do?” Sofia asks, brows furrowed. She’s probably worried I’m going to go home and spend another night sobbing into my pillow.
Not going to happen. I won’t cry one more tear for Nick Hart.
“I’m going to finish my capstone project, graduate, and look for a new job where I can put my degree to good use and my efforts will be appreciated.”
I must sound more confident than I feel because she gives me a blinding smile.
“Wait.” Her smile falters. “What about the Valentine’s social? Are you still going to go?”
“I have to.”Unfortunately. If I had a way out, you can bet your ass I’d take it. “I planned the entire event. It would be pretty shitty to ghost Nick now.”
“Adulting is so overrated.”
I huff out a laugh. “Tell me about it.”
My phone vibrates on the bar and Mama’s picture appears on the screen. It’s the third time she’s called today.
I hold up a finger, signaling to Sofia that I’ll only be a minute, and swipe accept as I bring the phone to my ear.
“Hey, Sweetpea. It’s about time you answered. I’ve been calling you all day.”
And so it begins.
I slump forward, resting my elbows on the bar. “What’s up?”
“We need to talk about Hannah’s wedding.”
The wedding is months away. I don’t actually know the date because I haven’t opened the save the date yet, but I know it’s not happening next week, so what could we possibly need to discuss?
“I was thinking that since you’re so busy with work and school, it might be best if I arrange an escort for you.”She can’t be serious. “Judge Brown’s boy, Juda—you remember him, don’t you?—just moved back and he’s working in the District Attorney’s office. He’s such a nice young man and if you don’t move fast, some other girl is going to snap him right up before—”
“No.”
