Page 2 of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy

Hates romantic pursuits.

Sebastian Fairfax

Handsome enough to tempt anyone. Despises boiled potatoes.

A letter from Macey to Zane, August 12, 9:04 p.m.

Dear Zane,

I’ve written this letter so many times I’ve lost count. I kept thinking I’d find the perfect words, but maybe they don’t exist. So, if you’re reading this, it means I finally gave up trying and found the courage to just give it to you.

Your friendship means the world to me. I wouldn’t have made it through these past few years without you and Amelia. You’re one of my best friends, and I would do anything for you.

But something has changed for me—how I feel about you. I can’t believe I’m even writing this, but I need to say it because I know I’ll regret it if I don’t. I’m in love with you, Zane. I think I have been for a long time, maybe long before I realized it myself.

It’s in the way you make everything feel like an adventure, even the little things—like midnight runs to the gas station for slushies or lying on the trampoline under the stars. You make me feel braver than I really am, like nothing bad can happen when I’m with you.

I know this might take you by surprise, though I’m not sure how. I’ve been acting like a complete idiot around you lately, ever since I realized what was going on in my heart. I guessit’s because I’ve been holding all of this in. So here it is—me, admitting how I feel.

I don’t know if you feel the same way, and I think that’s what scares me the most. If this ruins what we have, I’ll regret it forever. But if I didn’t tell you, I’d regret that too. And I know my timing is awful with you leaving for school in two days, but I needed you to know.

So here it is, Zane. My heart on a page. It’s yours, if you want it. And if you don’t, maybe just pretend I never wrote this.

Love,

Macey

MACEY

Ten Years Later

An email from Macey to her mom, Friday, September 6, 12:22 p.m.

To:[email protected]

From:[email protected]

Subject:Wish Me Luck

Hi Mom,

I hope you’re doing okay. I wish you could write me back, but for now, I’ll just keep sending these. I like to imagine you reading them and rolling your eyes at half the things I say—though maybe you’re shaking your head and smiling too.

Not much of an update from me yet, but I’m hopeful I’ll have something exciting to share soon. I don’t want to jinx it by saying too much. Just know I’m trying to figure things out—and not let life turn into an endless loop of meaningless tasks at a stupid job until I die.

If you do see this, send me some good vibes. I’m sure I’ll feel them from here.

Love you,

Macey

I TAKE A DEEP BREATH as I stand in front of the solid white office door and give myself a quick pep talk.

You are strong. You are brave. You can do hard things. You have a wedgie.

I say my little mantra to myself. The last line isn’t usually part of it.

Crap. Today, of all days, when things at work might finally be going my way for once, Ido notneed a wedgie.

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