Chapter 1 Sophie #2
And even if he isn’t home, I know where he keeps the spare key since he told me when he bought his house. Not that I’ve ever been there, but still.
I’m not entirely sure I’m ready to talk about what happened with Keaton.
I need time to figure out my story, figure out what I’m going to say and where I’m going to go from here.
I worry that calling Sam to tell him right now won’t end well.
He’s got enough to worry about with our family coming in and the wedding and…
The Uber from the airport to 536 Muffin Lane feels like an eternity.
I focus on the passing scenery, on the trees and sidewalks and the sun shining through the windows.
In many ways, Cherrywood looks the same, but it also looks different.
After all, I haven’t been here in seven years. Since I left for college.
The last time I saw them.
The guys. My brother’s best men.
I landed my job for H I was so optimistic. I thought love existed, that it was out there for me and I just hadn’t met the right guy yet. And then Keaton came along and swept me off my feet like the Prince Charming he was and…
Matthew lets out one of those boyish, endearing laughs of his, dispelling my melancholic thoughts. Trying to rid my thoughts of Keaton and what a fool I was, I offer Matthew a soft smile, remembering those nights at his dining room table, pouring over fractions.
Matthew’s determination was always endearing, but it was his reluctance to let things get him down that I always envied.
He was just…happy. Happy to be in the moment, happy to find the silver lining in all the dark clouds that surrounded him.
He was always like that, and I’d wager by the sight of his smile, that hasn’t changed.
I’ve always admired his ability to just keep rolling with whatever punches life threw at him—and when we were younger, there were a lot of obstacles for Matthew.
But he never gave up. He was relentless.
Even as hard as math was for him, he didn’t give up.
He worked his ass off with me, and it certainly paid off.
“I didn’t take your tests, though,” I say, offering Matthew a half smile. “Pretty sure you passed all on your own.”
Matthew smirks at me as I take in the sight of the guys, all relaxed in my brother’s living room, like they practically live here. But I guess that’s what happens when you don’t move across the country and instead opt to stay in this small town.
In many ways, this scene—this moment—is no different from when we used to hang out as kids in high school. My brother and his friends, just chilling in the living room. Me crashing the scene.