Page 143 of Counting On You

In the end, there’s only us because we’re one of a kind.

Kade

My fingers brushover his writing as a tear rolls down my cheek. My lips curl into a smile and I realize the tears that follow are tears of happiness.

I don’thaveto see him again.

But I can, and most importantly, I want to.

“He gave you his number for a reason. People don’t do that unless they want you to call,” Sylvie says.

Maybe.

I shake my head. “You told me that I needed therapy.”

“That was six weeks ago when you still had that unhealthy obsession with your ex. You’re different now.”

I regard her for a long moment. “What changed your mind?”

She takes her time replying. “When you fall in love, you react a certain way when you hear the other person’s name. Like you don’t want other people to speak it out loud. Like it’s sacred to you. Whenever I say his name, you give me that strange look.” She shrugs as she considers her words. “Like a warning to tread carefully. Besides, I saw the way he looked at you. It’s as if…I don’t know.” She shrugs again and gets up. “Just give it a chance, Vicky. You have nothing to lose. You two should stay in touch simply because you’re in love with each other. You don’t even need any other reason because your feelings are reason enough.”

Why does she make so much sense today?

“Okay.” I draw out the word. “What about my counselor’s advice that addicts should never get involved because it doesn’t turn out well?”

“She was probably quoting statistics,” Sylvie says. “Look. Numbers are nothing. Maybe ninety-nine percent of people fail, but what if you belong in that minority who make it work? Don’t you want to see for yourself whether you’re up to the challenge? Last I checked you’re not a number. You’re breathing and living and have your own free will. Make use of it.”

I stare at her as her words echo through my mind yet I’m unable to grasp them. “What are you saying?”

“I think you should get in touch with him.”

“I wouldn’t know what to say.”

“Just ask him whether he’s settled in. Shouldn’t be too hard. Come on.” She pulls me up with her. “Let’s go.”

I glance at the watch. “We still have a few hours.”

“Why wait?” She gestures at me to get up. “Let’s get our phonesnow. Time to shine.”

I don’t ask what she means by that because Sylvie looks like someone who knows how to get her way. And then there’s something else on my mind.

A feeling that doesn’t make sense.

It’s growing in the deepest pit of my stomach, cold and heavy.

I can’t wait to get my phone back, if only to find out whether Kade’s changed his mind about us.

“You really thinkwe’ll be getting our phones back already?” I peer at Sylvie as we stop in front of the closed office door.

“They have to. The program’s over so—” She shrugs. “But just in case, leave the talking to me, alright?”

I want to trust her, but I’m so anxious to resume communication with the outside world that I’d rather do this myself. “What’s the plan?”

“You know how you always said that my counselor is much nicer than yours? Guess what? You were right.” She flashes me a grin. “He’s always offered his help, even let me borrow his phone once.”

I can’t help but laugh. “We all know he has a crush on you.”

“A girl can use her charms.” She shrugs again and knocks, shooting me a ‘wait here’ look.

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