A second later, I snatch it back up and type again.
Congratulations on your sobriety. I’m happy for you.
Send.
I want to tell him I miss him. That I love him so much it’s killing me to be apart. That walking out of that apartment wasthe hardest thing I’ve ever done. And that I’ve wanted to ask Matt about him every day. Every. Damn. Day.
But I don’t. Because I can’t.
I have to remember why I left. My mom. My dad. My childhood. I won’t repeat the cycle. I deserve better than what my mom had.
I blow out a breath, and the next inhale comes a little shakier—eyes burning, chest tense.
It’s the truth. Iamhappy for him.
I blink, and a tear falls onto my hand.
I’m just sad for me.
Chapter Six
JENSEN
I slowthe bike to an easy pace and pick up my phone from the cupholder. I have two missed texts. I turn my music down and open my messages.
The first one’s from Matt.
Matt
Hey man, Lucas said he’d come in Sunday for you and again in 3 weeks. Probably take 4-5 sessions to complete. Plan for a long day.
That’s great! Kinda shocked he had an opening that soon.
I know he didn’t have an opening. Matt probably paid him a ridiculous amount to bump someone or come in on his day off.
Matt
He didn’t. But he owed me a favor.
I shake my head, grinning, and open the next message.
Megan
Made us reservations at that cute breakfast place a few blocks from your place. The one I like. Not the one that sucks down the street from it. It’s for 9. I’ll meet you there.
I’m meeting Megan for breakfast to talk. To apologize. To make amends—to grovel, basically. And I’m praying she doesn’t stab me with a butter knife halfway through brunch.
Pressing on the brake knob, I come to a stop and reach for my towel. I wipe the sweat from my face, take a long swig from my water jug, and head for the elevators. I prefer running, but I’m being extra cautious with my knee. I can’t risk anything right now. I’m finally pain-free.
Rehab sucked at first, but it wasn’t all bad. The therapists and counselors were great. I made a few new friends, came out stronger, pain-free—and in the best shape of my life. They had me on an anti-inflammatory diet—low carb, gluten- and sugar-free. It was rough in the beginning, but I’m used to it now. It’s not for everyone, but it worked for me, and I feel great, so I’ve just stuck with it. Besides, keeping the same structure helps keep me grounded.
They assigned me a personal trainer, and working out was part of the deal. It wasn’t optional. Waking up early to hit the gym just became routine. Every day in there was about healing, confronting your past, building better habits, and staying clear-headed when the urges hit.
Turns out, sweating your ass off can help you think straight.
I text Megan back while I wait for the elevator.
See you at nine.
