“This is an excerpt from the memoir I’ve been working on. It’s calledMy Summer with Thor.”
A few scattered laughs, some knowing chuckles from the friends who’ve already heard pieces. April’s got her phone out, probably live-streaming the whole thing. Maya’s beside her in a vintage jacket she thrifted just to look ‘Nashville chic,’ and Alex’s pretending not to tear up already.
I glance back down at my cards. Then I look up.
“I used to think life was about beinggood. About beingsafe. About following the plan. The path. The expectations.”
Beat.
“But then I met someone who wore a mask and called me by a fake name. And somehow? It was the first time I’d ever been completely myself.”
I see Hunter smile.
“I made choices that terrified me. That pissed people off. But I’ve learned something:
Easy choices, hard life. Your soul feels uncomfortable. It’s not being fed right.
Hard choices…easy on the soul.”
The room is quiet. Still. Listening.
“I wouldn’t be standing here tonight if I hadn’t risked it all. For love. For truth. For myself.”
I close my notecards, heart pounding.
The room erupts in applause.
Hunter’s on his feet. He doesn’t rush the stage. Doesn’t need to. He just mouths it:I love you.
I smile, lips trembling a little, and nod.
I know.
Me too.
Always.
And as I step off the stage, into a new version of my life—unmasked, unapologetic—I know this time?
The story is mine.
Hunter
Another monthlater
Mr. Easton grinsas he finishes walking Faith down the aisle.
Her dress is exquisite. Snow white. Classic. She looks like a literal princess.
And I—Hunter Holloway—somehow get to be the guy waiting for her at the end of the aisle.
“You better not screw this up, Holloway,” Mr. Easton mutters with a wink. A reminder that I’ve invaded enemy territory. This is the enemy’s princess. But the energy is different now. He knows I love her.
The Capulets and the Montagues have united. Or something like that.
I grin, and for one reckless second, I consider saying something like, “You know your daughter and I actually met at a sex club, right?”
But I hold my tongue. Because I’ve learned a thing or two.
