Page 73 of The Heartbreak List

Sadie retreats and we tidy up. He dries his hands with the noisy machine on the wall. I straighten my panties and dress. Then we head out to see the wigs Sadie has lined up.

She shows me the different types of wigs, some of which are dyed bright colors. Then a book full of colors and styles. All of which is possible if I decide on one that I want. I try on the ones that she’s brought. Pinks and purples and even an orange one, which does indeed make me look like a Cheeto.

I eventually settle on one. The cut and wave is somewhat similar to how my hair used to be. It has roots that run into a bright but pale ombre blue.

“You look stunning.” Sadie claps her hands together in front of her chest.

Theo just drinks me in.

My phone rings. My upbeat mood disintegrates when I see EJ’s name on the screen. It was only a matter of time before Gray told him about us. I’m so not ready for this conversation. I accept the call anyway. I can’t hide from life. I don’t have the time. “Hello.”

“Just checking that you remember family dinner is tonight, right?”

“What?” That’s not how I expected this conversation to start. And it’s the wrong night.

“We changed it last week because I have to go out of town to meet with a client tomorrow,” he says. “But I figured you might have forgotten. You weren’t in the best headspace.”

“Yeah.” I can’t clearly remember our last family dinner. Between the headache and missing Theo I’d been practically comatose. I clear my throat. “Have you heard from Gray?”

“I haven’t, but I figured he was preoccupied…” His voice lightens. “You sound like you’re in better spirits.”

“I…am.” I clasp my stomach. He will not like the reason. How do I tell him I broke up with Gray? Or do I wait and let Gray do it since my brother is his best friend? I curl a blue lock around my finger. “I might have done something.”

“Like what?”

“Shaved my head. And I’m buying a wig.” I bring the vivid blue strands up to eye level. They’re super pretty. “How do you think Mom is going to take it if I rock up with no hair or wearing a bright blue wig?”

“Probably not well.” He exhales heavily. “But I’ll warn them so they’re prepared.”

Mom hasn’t taken anything well recently. “I’m not sure—”

“Seriously, Indy, you have to come to dinner. They are really struggling and your absence will make it worse.” A quick intake of breath is followed by more exuberance. “Actually, you know what they need? That death coach you were using. I know you were taking a break from your bucket list, but are you still in contact with him?”

“Yes.” It comes out strangled.

“You should bring him to dinner. It’ll be great. It will really help Mom and Dad. Maybe we can convince them to go to a smash room.”

“You think I should bring Theo to dinner?” I glance at the man in question. Clearly Gray hasn’t told EJ that we’ve broken up yet, so I can’t imagine he would show up to dinner tonight. I chew the inside of my cheek.

“All I’m saying is…he helped me. Maybe he can help with this too.”

I should tell him about the break up, shouldn’t I? No, I should tell my family, but it should be in person. About Gray. And my new living arrangements.

At some point I’ll have to talk to my parents about moving back in with them too. Staying with Theo can only be a short-term solution. Eventually I’m going to get sicker. Able to do less. Unable to look after myself. And I will not ask Theo to take that on. I will not be his burden to shoulder. But dinner tonight with my parents… “I’ll ask him.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Theo

IclaspIndy’selbowand gently bring her to my chest when we’re at the top of the steps to her parents’ house. She’s jittery tonight. She couldn’t stop fidgeting on the way over here. She keeps tugging at the hem of the floral dress I bought her at the mall after we finished up with Sadie. Touching the blue strands that fall about her shoulders. “You look amazing. The hair is fire.”

“Mom is going to freak out.” She looks up at me beseechingly. “I think we should leave now. I’ll call them and tell them I don’t feel well.”

“The Indy I know doesn’t back down from the hard things.” I slip a tendril of hair behind her ear. “She’s baller and incredibly brave.”

“It doesn’t feel like it.”

“But it’s true. You’re brave enough to go in there and deal with their reaction to your break up with Gray. And the hair too.” Her mom will probably need a minute to catch her breath. But that’s all. “It’s clear that your family loves you dearly. I hope that epic macaroni casserole is on the menu tonight.”

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