Page 143 of You're The One
She hesitates before asking, “Why did you leave?”
“I think he picked her?—”
“Who?” she cuts me off.
“Emma.”
Her brows pull together, trying to place the name. “The literary agent who likes birds…”
“I didn’t know she liked birds,” I murmur, swallowing past the lump in my throat.
God, if liking birds is what finally sends me into hiccupping sobs…
“Mia,” she begins gently, cutting through my thoughts.
I swallow again, grateful for the interruption. “Sorry.”
She studies me, probably unsure of what to say or how to make this better. And really, it’s not her job. I need to fix this myself. I’ve dug out before. I’ll do it again.
I will.
“I think I’m going to take a nap.”
Translation: I want to be alone.
“How about we watch a movie?” she tries.
“Not right now.” I force a smile. “I’m okay.”
The furrow between her brows deepens.
“Promise,” I add.
She nods slowly, rising from the bed. “You’ll let me know if you need anything?”
“Yeah.”
Right before she shuts the door behind her, she turns back and tells me, “You didn’t ruin it.” And God, I hope she’s right. But she can’t know that.
I exhale, sinking deeper into the pillows, the weight of everything pressing down on me.
Tomorrow will be better.
When sunlight sneaks through the curtains the next morning, I curse the nice weather. I wish for a summer storm to rip through Chicago, something to match my mood. But the sun keeps shining, taunting me all day.
Another reminder that I’m not like most people—enjoying summer,enjoying life.
Ryan stops by with tough love, trying to coax me out of bed.
Hannah follows, softer and more patient.
Neither works.
Tomorrow will be better.
FORTY-FIVE
By the timethe rideshare drops me at Logan’s, it’s been four days. Four days without Mia. Without knowing where we stand. If she’s okay.Way too fucking long.
