Page 82 of Stick Fight

I open my mouth, ready to tell him. To tell him he was right. That I’ve been playing it safe, trying to mold myself into what Ithinkpeople expect. That I havebeen straddling two worlds, afraid to let go of the past, afraid to fully embrace this future that came out of left field.

But I shut my mouth. Because, just like Roman doesn’t want totellhis brother he’s happy, he wants toshowhim, and I want to do the same.

I want to show Roman.

Show everyone.

“You better get going,” I say, a slow smile pulling at my lips as I gesture toward my sketchbook. “I’ve got some designs to work on.”

He frowns, unsure, no doubt thinking I haven’t really heard him. But I have. Soon enough I’ll show him.

“Gabs…” he starts, hesitant.

“Go,” I say, nudging him gently. “Get dressed. Get on the road before you’re late.”

He lingers for a moment, watching me, but then he nods, his footsteps heavy as he heads down the hall. I exhale an excited breath, then turn back to my sketchbook, pick up my pencil, and let my heart lead.

What I’m doing right now is not about shaping myself to fit into someone’s world.

It’s about carving out my own, calling the shots. Taking charge and standing apart.

And I’m ready.

23

Roman

“Bring it in, Gabs.”

Nolan opens his arms, and Gabby steps into them without hesitation. Honestly, I’m surprised at how quickly they connected, how easily my brother fell formygirl. Not that she’s officiallymygirlfriend. We haven’t put a label on it, but let’s be real, when it comes to Gabby, what’s not to fall for? Still, I expected some pushback. When I picked Nolan up at the airport last week, I was nervous. Ready to defend her. Ready for a lecture about falling in love behind closed doors. But instead, I got acceptance. Kindness.

I shouldn’t have been surprised. Nolan’s always been the guy with the big heart. He’s the kind of person who works for a non-profit not for the paycheck, but because he wants to leave the world a little better than he found it. Maybe I didn’t do so bad raising him after all.

They break apart, and Gabby turns to me. “I don’t mind driving.”

“Nah,” I say, “We’ll take an Uber. You’ve had a crazy week, and you fly out tomorrow. No need for more running around.”

She rises up on her toes and kisses me. It’s quick. Hurried. Like she’s anxious for me to get on my way and it only intensifies the knot I’ve had in my stomach all week. After our talk, I went straight to get Nolan, and the rest of the week disappeared in a blur. Sightseeing, theater shows, late-night dinners, cinnamon rolls from The Nook. Gabby was busy all week with Stella, but we all had dinner together most nights. Afterward, she’d slip away into the den to work on her designs. The ones she still hasn’t shown me.

I wanted to peek. More than once. But I didn’t. That’s her space. Her process. Her dream. She’ll show me when she’s ready. If she took what I said to heart, then right now, she’s in there creating magic. Sketching gowns, chasing something bigger. Something hers. While I want that for her—God, I really do—there’s this gnawing fear in the back of my mind, whispering what it might mean for us.

“Have a safe trip tomorrow,” I murmur, my lips brushing hers, not quite ready to let go.

“I’ll see you next weekend when you get back.”

It’s meant to be a promise. But the way her brow lifts, I know she heard the question tucked inside it. Just like I did.

“You guys have fun. But not too much fun,” Gabby says with a playful grin.

“See you soon,” I murmur, kissing her quick, like I’m afraid I’ll linger if I let myself.

“Jesus, you’re only gone for three days. Give it a rest,” Nolan groans, shaking his head like I’m embarrassing him.

He’s not wrong, though. Iamonly gone for three days. Gabby’s the one taking the full week now that her nanny days with Tanner and Maeve are officially behind her.

“Go,” she laughs, nudging me toward the door.

I smile, but there’s a weight in my chest. I get why she’s not coming with us. I do. Walking into the Hart Hotel, dredging up old memories, would be horrible for her. It would take a miracle for her to set foot in the place.

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