When my first and only boyfriend in high school broke up with me, I was sad and mopey, sure, but after a few days, I was over it. I was never “lovesick” like the other girls. In college and medical school, I was so focused on being at the top of my class that I closed myself off to any opportunity to fall in love.
“Oh, honey.” Millie wraps her arm around my shoulder. “You’re not hurting because you’reinlove. You’re hurting because you’re notwiththe one you love.”
My eyes burn and a sob hitches in my throat before I can conceal my emotions. The only thing left to do is surrender. “Fuck,” I cry. “I miss him like crazy. And Bea. I love that little girl so much. But it’s not just them I miss. I miss living at the camp too.”
“So tell him,” Joey nudges.
Shaking my head, I wipe away the tears with my sleeve. “He didn’t ask me to stay, Jo. If he had wanted me to stay, he would have asked.”
“My brother, unfortunately, is not one for taking chances unless he’s sure of the outcome. He didn’t used to be like that, but grief changes a person.”
“Mmm.” I understand full well the effect grief canhave.
“If he knew how you felt, though…”
Trepidation runs through my veins. She wants me to reach out first?
“We’re not trying to rush you,” Joey interjects, the yin to Millie’s yang. “If you need more time, that’s okay. It wasn’t so long ago that we were in similar positions. Love shouldn’t be scary, but it can sorta make you feel like you’re free-falling.”
“Thank you.” I lean into her.
“You’re a liar, you know that?” Millie says.
“What?” I gasp, but the smirk on her face gives away her mirth.
“You told me you weren’t going to fall in love with my brother.”
I groan, swiping a hand down my face, concealing my goofy smile.
She bumps her shoulder against mine. “Good thing I’ve been rooting for you two this whole time.”
Shaking my head, I ask, “Why are you here with me and not with him anyway?”
“Oh, trust me, he’ll get an earful from me. But I had to check on my girl first.” She winks. “Plus, I told you my brother needs to be sure before he goes after the things he wants.”
“Please don’t tell him I’m in love with him,” I beg.
Those words—in love with him—feel foreign on my tongue, and yet I’m confident it’s the truth.
I’m in love with Asher.
“If that’s what you want, you have my word.” She mimes zipping her lips.
“Thanks.”
“What are sisters for?”
40
Asher
Benji
Dude. Why didn’t you tell us sooner? And why didn’t you ask her to stay???
Me
Because it wouldn’t have been fair to her, and it’s obvious I’m not worth staying for
