And I’m sitting in the silence again.
Only it doesn’t feel quite as soul-crushing.
Not because the hurt is gone.
But because…Chrissy’s right.
I’m not stuck here.
This isn’t the end of my story, no matter if it sometimes feels like it.
The world is waiting right outside these walls.
And I’m going to see it.
Allof it.
Thirty-Eight
Rhodes
I openthe door to find a young redhead smiling at me from the porch.
She’s pretty. Objectively.
Soft features, bright eyes, a pleasant sort of face.
And…I feel absolutely nothing.
Except crushing disappointment that she isn’t Finn.
“Hi,” she says, lifting her hand. “I’m Brooke.”
I shake it. “Rhodes.”
She doesn’t sound like Finn.
Doesn’t smile like her.
Doesn’t feel like her.
That’s the point, right?
I force a smile and point down. “Andthisis Chloe.”
“Hey, Chloe,” she squats down and waves.
Chloe peers around my leg for all of two seconds before deciding Brooke is acceptable enough to ask, “Do you like apples and peanut butter?”
“I love them,” Brooke says.
“Want to meet Olive and Pear?”
“Are those foods or something else?” Brooke asks.
Chloe giggles. “They’re my kittens.”
“Wow. I’d love to meet them.” Brooke smiles then flicks her gaze in my direction, clearly asking me if that’s okay.
