Page 13 of Our Little Moments

“I . . . I honestly don’t know. Didn’t think of it,” I admit and then glance at the notifications. Of course, it’s about my departure. Articles, speculation, rumors. And everyone’s wondering what I’ll do next—especially with the tournament coming up.

Now that he mentioned it, a break from social media, from the pressure, the fucking ticking bomb I seem to hear all the time, the weight of people’s expectations . . . A break from it all sounds fantastic.

But what if I miss something important? What if I fall out of the loop?

I want my life back. So. Badly.

Was it really only a few months ago that it all fell apart? It feels like years since I last heard the cheers, saw the posts about how I inspired others. The pride I felt when I was the last one standing in that temple . . .

I’ve always loved being in the spotlight. Maybe I like attention. Or maybe it’s just because I like to feel like I matter. Whatever the reason, it’s always been my favorite part of competing.

“Well.” Julian’s voice brings me back to the conversation. “I hope you’ll be able to figure things out. With, or without, taking a break from social media.”

I smile, but his name tag catches my eye, and I remember he’s supposed to be working, not chatting with me. “Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

He chuckles. “I own the place now. I can afford a break.”

That word catches my attention—own. Now.

I know there’s more to dig. Call it too much curiosity, I don’t care. I’ve always had a good read on people. “Is this your family’s restaurant.”

He stiffens, and a flicker of something passes across his face. “Yes. Always has been.”

Oof. I can see I hit a nerve.

Still, I ask tentatively, “Was it hard to step up and ‘continue the legacy’?”

He smiles at me, a smile that has way more meaning than his previous ones. Relief, compassion, and a hint of gratefulness. “It was hard, but I sacrificed what I needed to in order to get it. What’s the use of being the golden child if you don’t get all the praise that comes with the title?”

His reply punches me, hard.Golden child. Merit. Title.

That pressure, that need to always be the best.

I sigh. “Being a golden child isn’t always easy, is it?”

He shakes his head. “Far from it.”

We sit in silence for a moment, both lost in thought.

Eventually, Julian heads back to work, but I’m left unsettled. I always thought I pushed myself to be the best. I’ve always been called ambitious, hardworking, and organized.

But what if, all along, I was pushing myself too hard to meet impossible expectations?

I’m snapped from my thoughts when Adrian and his sisters walk in. The other two of them came to welcome me after I left Isabella’s coffee shop, though I didn’t have the time to learn their names.

I shouldn’t be surprised that we cross paths—it’s clear this town doesn’t have many places to eat. Still, seeing them together stirs something in me.

My gaze lingers on them for longer than I admit, longing slowly making its way into my heart.

When I was younger, there was nothing I wanted more than a sibling. Someone I could tease, someone I could take care of—a best friend. But I never got one.

I used to push those feelings aside, but now, looking at Adrian and his sisters, they come rushing back.

If I’d had a sibling, would I have felt as affected as I was by my childhood? Would the secret I’d carried have felt as heavy?

I wake up to my bedroom bathed in the pale moonlight’s glow.

I glance at the empty glass on my nightstand. Ugh, I need water, now.

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