Page 127 of You Saw the Best In Me

A bottle of my favorite tequila is on the kitchen counter and a note.

Take a drink and come to Harper’s apartment when you’re ready.

I sigh, thankful that Maverick is only across the hall. I smile at the note and how he called my apartment Harpers.

I do as he instructed and pour myself a drink. The liquor burns my throat and warms the icy chill in my veins.

I don’t feel like socializing, so I intend to pop in only to steal Harper.

I hear music playing and everyone hanging out when I walk into the apartment.

Juliette is cooking, and it smells incredible. It’s a mini party, and I wish I were in the mood, but I’m not.

“Karina!” a chorus of voices greets me, and I fake my best smile.

“Hi, guys. Where’s Harper?” I ask, scanning the room for her.

“She’s doing homework. I told her the truth. She knew most of it, being here while we searched for you, but I told her how you fought back and got injured in the process,” Mav says, and I thank him.

Anything he’s comfortable sharing with Harper is okay with me.

I knock on the door that used to be my room, and when I open it, she runs to me.

I catch her in my arms and hold her tight.

“So, has Lucas forgiven Mallory for kissing Andrew, or what?” I ask, and she laughs.

“I missed you so much, Karina,” she cries, and I missed her more than I realized.

I sob into her hair while she holds onto me for dear life.

“Karina, can I ask you something?” she says, breaking our embrace.

“Of course, Harp. Anything,” I sniffle, stuffing the tears back inside.

“Since you’re with my brother, can I call you my sister?” she asks, and I start crying again.

Nothing in this world could’ve stopped my tears or made me happier.

“I’d be fucking honored, Harp,” I smile, and she hugs me.

“You and Mav are my family,” she whispers, holding me tight.

“That’s right, Harper. It’s the three of us against the world,” I smile, and we leave the heavy stuff there for the night.

We sit together on my old bed, and I catch up on the drama of eighth grade and hear about the newest TV show that’s swept them all.

“Karina, please don’t go anywhere again. I need you,” she says, and I promise I won’t.

“You’re my world, baby sis,” I laugh, and she loves every second of it.

“I love you, Karina,” she whispers, and I let her finish her homework.

I held it together for her sake, but fucking god, I missed her more than anything.

I’m so happy to be back in her presence, hearing about the wonders of middle school.

After a while I give Harper space, and I join Maverick on the couch, snuggling into his arms.