Page 38 of Rewriting the Story

“I cannot fathom why you wouldn’t text him. Not only did you have fun at that concert, but it would make me feel better if you had someone to talk to who wasn't just us girls. Relationships are important, Amelia. You literally need them to survive.”

“I have you guys! Why would I need anyone else?”

She scoffs across the line. “In all the time I’ve known you, I’ve never heard you so animated unless you were making fun of Oliver. You seem brighter today, more cheerful, even.”

“It’s the post-concert high, Paigey. I can almost guarantee to you, this switch in my personality isn’t because of some boy.”

Although, it did feel nice talking to him at the concert. He seemed to understand the music in the same way I did, and it was almost refreshing hearing a guy with as much media literacy as he seemed to have. I enjoyed deconstructing the lyrics to one of my favorite bands with him, but that doesn't mean I want to date him. It was a simple, one-time thing with a person I’m never going to see again.

Those types of interactions are my favorite, and while I’ve only had the one with Henry, I’ve come to find I enjoy it. It was easy. There were no strings attached, and at the end of the concert, we parted ways. Easy. Simple. Perfect for someone who can’t commit to anything like me.

As Paige would say, I’m allergic to committing to anything besides the book club. It’s never been something I’ve wanted, something I’ve craved like most other humans seem to. Sure, I've hooked up with guys here and there while at Grand Mountain, but it’s never been anything serious, which is the way I like it.

The future to me isn't some white picket fence with kids, a husband who hates me, and neighbors who I talk to on the regular. I’m more career focused, and maybe someday, the white picket fence will come into my mind and not give me hives, but that day isn't today.

I also follow my brain and not my heart. I’m too rational of a person for love, and in the years I’ve been traipsing around the Earth, not once have I felt an all-consuming, soul-shattering love. I’m not sure I ever will.

“Just don’t close yourself off completely, Ames.” Paige’s voice filters through my ears, but I’m barely listening. When I turn around with my coffee in hand, blue eyes enter myvision.

The same blue eyes I met at the concert a few days ago.

“Amelia?”

“Did someone just say your name? Who is that?” Paige asks me.

“Henry,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “What are you doing here?”

“I go to school here,” he says, a huge smile on his face. “And it seems like you do too.”

“Is that him? Oh my God, Amelia, this is fate!”

“Sorry,” I say to him as I turn around, my hand gripping my phone. “Paige, I have to go. I’ll call you later.”

“I want details, Ames! And tell Henry I say—” I hang up on her before he hears her say something insane, and when I turn around, he’s leaning against the counter as he pushes his glasses up on his face.

“So, what have you been up to since the concert?”

“Really? That’s the question you decide to ask me?” I joke. “Why didn't you tell me you went to Grand Mountain?”

“Why didn't you?”

Well, shit. He’s got me there.

“You barely gave me anything but your name, Amelia. When I asked you questions about your life, you changed the subject.”

I cock my eyebrows at him. “I just met you. You could have been a serial killer or something.”

“Do you often meet serial killers at indie alternative concerts?”

“Well, no, but my best friend Paige always says anybody we walk past could have murdered someone.”

“So you didn't want to talk to me in case I was a murderer?”

I nod.

“Then why are we talking now?”

“You’re clearly not a murderer, and if you are, you’re terrible at it. You’ve already given up your cover to the first girl you saw.”

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