Forty-Nine
Reece
The February chill steals the air out of my lungs as I bust out of Tashia’s house.
But for the first time in months, I feel like I can finally breathe.
Maybe I fucked up my relationship with my brother. Maybe he’ll hate me forever. Maybe his relationship with Tashia will come to a screeching halt and maybe my parents and Gemma might resent me for ruining something that was already ruined to begin with.
But I’m my priority now. I’m doing what’s right for me, choosing what’s best for me even if it means walking alone.
I’ve barely made it to my car parked at the end of the long drive when I hear someone calling my name. Glancing up, I see my best friends sprinting out of the house after me, the winter air flushing their cheeks as white puffs explode from their mouths.
“Um, hi,” Miles gasps, leaning against the hood of my car to catch his breath. “What the hell was that?”
I unlock my car, turning to face Miles as Drew trots up behind him. “That was me finally doing something for myself.”
Miles gapes at me. “You sure that was the best way to go about it?”
“No,” I admit. “But I don’t regret it.”
And it’s true.
I’m thinking clearly for the first time in far too long. I finally have my sights set on myself, on what I really want.
On Stacy.
Drew scratches at the back of his neck. “Think you’re still in the wedding?”
“I don’t know if there’s still going to be a wedding.”
Drew and Miles both gawk at me, eyes wide as I finally delve into what really happened that weekend in Nashville. I’ve kept it to myself because talking about it hurts too much. I gave Miles and Drew a noncommittal, vague reason for my breakup with Stacy, but not anymore.
I’m done making other people comfortable. I’m done shying away from the truth, no matter how ugly it might be.
“Holy shit,” Miles breathes when I finish recounting New Year’s Day.
I nod. “Let Tashia and Evan figure out if it’s something they can work through but I’m done. I’m done letting people walk on me and I’m done putting on a fake smile to make everyone else happy. I’m putting myself first. I’m making me happy.”
A small smile tips up the corners of Drew’s lips as he slaps a hand on my shoulder. “Starting with Stacy?”
I nod without hesitation. “Starting with Stacy.”