Can I See You Again? by Allison Morgan

Author:Allison Morgan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2016-06-29T14:14:04+00:00

twenty-two

Later that afternoon, I sit cross-legged in my closet, staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror.

It’s over.

After witnessing Sean and Sara’s coziness this morning, I realize I’ve fooled myself these last couple of weeks thinking he’d come running back, pining for me, begging for forgiveness.

Couple that with certain aspects of my life that I hate at the moment—pretending Nixon’s my boyfriend, keeping the truth from Jo, spewing lies every time I open my mouth (won’t someone shut me up?), and Andrew searching for another job—and I start to feel very, very alone.

I don’t like when waters get rough or lives get upturned. I don’t like letting go of the familiar. I mean, look at me. Even my appearance shouts that I cling to my comfort level. The same hairstyle since high school. Same purse since college. Same habits (except for smoking cloves, that was short-lived), same hue of pink toenail polish every pedicure. I don’t like starting over and saying good-bye to the past. I feel safe under a veil of dependability and consistency, vulnerable to the elements without my parents’, and now Sean’s, protective umbrella.

Whoever said change is good is a fool. Change isn’t good. Change means someone or something died.

Trust me, I know.

I glance at my scar, then decide to take a walk before heading to Jo’s. Fresh air will do me good.

On a side street near the boardwalk, I spot a long-sleeved blush-colored lace dress fitted on a mannequin in the storefront across the street. Tiny pearls strung along the hemline reflect in the sunlight. The model dangles a pair of nude strapped heels from her plastic hands. Aren’t you a lovely little thing? It’d be perfect for Nixon’s cousin’s wedding. Besides, retail therapy always makes a girl feel better.

Twenty minutes later, I lay the pretty frock across the Uber car’s backseat and set the shoes by my feet. I’m lost in thoughts of a new shade of nail polish, jewelry, and highlights when Candace calls.

“Hi, Candace. How are you?”

“Busy, busy. I’ve never seen such a flurry of activity. You two are so popular.”

“Really?” Hooray! Sell, little books, sell.

“Yes, and people are demanding a picture of Nick. So that’s why I’m calling. When are you leaving for the camping trip?”

“Actually, I planned to ask you about that. What makes you think we’re camping?”

“Nick told me.”

“He did?”

“Oh, now, I hope I haven’t spoiled a surprise. Well, too late, I suppose, all of America knows.”

“When did he tell you this?”

“At the Tough Mudder. I asked him what your plans were for this coming weekend and he said, ‘I’m taking Bree camping,’ said you loved the outdoors.”

I hate the outdoors.

“And, by the way, well done with Sean and Sara. I didn’t want to tell you until the next article released, but they’ve seen quite a lot of one another. Sara seems to really enjoy him.”

Yeah, I’ve noticed.

“You really do have an eye for this matchmaking stuff.”

“Hmm . . . thanks.” I murmur, staring out the window at the passing cars, hung up on her comment.

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