Page 47 of The Chances We Take

I was met with no response, just the loud music of whatever bar they were at.

But then an unfamiliar voice came through the phone. “I’m Reece. May I sit?”

Oh.

Of course, I was stupid. Whywouldn’the be talking to other girls at the bar? It wasn’t like he was chained to me at all. We weren’t together. We weren’t exclusive. We hadn’t eventalkedabout feelings other than the platonic ones.

I hung up, a wave of disappointment washing over me as I set my phone face down on the countertop.

Well, now what am I going to do?

After a moment of standing with my arms wrapped around myself and my bottom lip between my teeth, I grabbed my phone again, dialing the number I’d had memorized my entire life.

“Hello?” my sister answered after a few rings.

“Hey,” I said, trying to mask my emotion as best as possible.

“What’s wrong?” She immediately picked up on the difference in tone. “Did something happen?”

I debated telling her the truth. After all, what did I call her for if not to vent? But I also just wanted to talk to my sister. “It’s not important. Just in my head,” I admitted, giving her the bare minimum.

“Well, if you find yourself out of your head and want to tell me, you know I’m always here.”

“I know. So, what’s new? Anything exciting happening?” I quickly changed the subject, desperate to talk to her about anything other than my—lack of a—love life.

“Actually, yeah.” Her tone softened, like she was blushing on the other side. “I, uh, got asked on a date?”

I involuntarily flinched, her response catching me off guard.

“Hello?”

“Sorry, sorry. That’s great, Mills. Who’s the guy?” I didn’t want to seem like an overprotective sister, but I was.

“Just some guy on the baseball team. He’s in my calculus class.” I could tell she was trying to sound nonchalant. I mean, it was her first real date. I remembered when I was in high school and the thought of being asked out by a boy made my toes tingle with excitement.

“I’m excited for you, Mills. Just be careful, okay?”

I knew she was rolling her eyes at me, because she also let out a small breath that I probably wasn’t supposed to hear.

“I will, sissy. It’s just a date.”

“You know you don’t have to do anything that you’re uncomfortable with, right? You don’t owe anyone anything.” It was a question that needed to be asked, and I didn’t care if it made her embarrassed.

“Nothing’s going to happen, okay?” She let out an exasperated sigh. “Yes, Isa, I know. You don’t have to act like Mom, okay? I’m not going to do anything dumb.”

The comment stung a little, but I brushed it off, reassuring myself that I was just looking out for her and keeping her safe. I didn’t want her to be heartbroken if she got hurt later on. I didn’t want her to create a cloud of self-doubt in her mind that maybe she’s just not good enough.

“Just be careful. And have fun,” I added.

“I will. It’s getting late here, so I should probably let you go. Mom and I are getting up early tomorrow.” She yawned, and I flicked my gaze to the digital clock on the stove. It was almost eleven o’clock there.

“Okay. I’ll talk to you soon, all right? Tell Mom I said hi.” I needed to give her a call. Lately our conversations had consisted of only good night texts, and I hated that I didn’t call her as often as I used to.

“Yeah. I love you.”

“Love you, later, Mills.”

“Later.” She hung up the phone, leaving me in the quiet stillness of an empty house.

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