Page 55 of Promise Me

I can’t even be mad, because I feel different today. Almost as if I woke up actually looking forward to something.

It reminds me a little of game day. The thrill of what the daywill bring. Am I going to win, or will I leave knowing I need to do better next time?

There is nothing sad about my mental state today, and that’s refreshing.

I press the button for more resistance on the bike.

My leg was bugging me first thing this morning, so instead of dwelling on why, I decided to do something about it.

Sadie wants to be proactive in remembering her life. She asked for my help, but even if she hadn’t, she would have done it on her own.

She’s choosing to stay positive in a hard time.

I should have chosen that path. Instead, I chose anger and resentment. I chose to shut people out. Being around Sadie has made my brain think differently.

An hour later, I'm walking back to my apartment when I spot the light on in the bakery.

I move to the front window and spot Sadie sitting at one of the tables. She’s got a notepad in front of her as she taps a pen to her lips.

Her pink, plump lips spread into a smile when she sees me.

I clear my throat, trying not to show how much I enjoy what that smile is doing to me.

“Hey, stranger,” she says and opens the door.

I step in, and she locks it behind me.

“Morning. I’m glad to see you slept in today.”

“Yeah, well, the first place I still went to was down here.”

“Did you start baking again?”

She shakes her head.

“Can I tell you a secret?”

I eye her. She twists her lips and bites her fingernail as she waits for me to reply.

“Sure.”

“You can’t tell Linc or my dad.”

I nod and then take a seat. “The secrets are stacking up, Sadie.”

“I know.”

“But let's hear it.”

I don’t especially like the idea of hiding anything from her brother, but if it helps her, I'll do it.

“I don’t like baking.”

I don’t say anything right away. I think she’s letting her words sink in as much as I am.

“My mom,” she goes on, “loved this place, and I’m starting to think that I only kept it going because of that.”

“Is that what you want now?”

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