Chapter 40
TAYLOR
Last day of the program
Ikept my eyes on the auditorium’s back doors, hoping Audrey would walk through them at any moment.
My coach and my agent were sitting in the front row, impatient for my final weekend here to be done so I could return full-time to the Bears.
“For the first time in the Postscript Scholars Program’s history,” the dean said at the mic, smiling, “we have an official tie for first place…”
The room collectively gasped, and I craned my neck as the back door opened.
No. Not Audrey—just a security guard.
“This year’s top scholars are Audrey Parker and Taylor Wolff!”
The room erupted in applause, and I forced myself to smile as I approached the lectern.
Bright cameras flashed while the dean hung a medal around my neck.
“Miss Parker was unable to join us today and will receive her award by mail,” he said. “Speaking of mail, if anyone has something they’d like us to forward to her, please bring it to the office by Friday. Now, onto the next set of awards…”
I tuned out the rest.
This should’ve been one of the happiest moments of my life, but without Audrey, all I felt was an ache that reached bone-deep.
I couldn’t fathom never kissing her again—never feeling the press of her lips, never having her body curl against mine at night.
The thought hollowed me out from the inside.
Later that night, I sent Audrey a text I knew she wouldn’t answer.
Then an email I knew she’d ignore.
Annoyed, I carried a box of books she’d left behind to the main office.
“Thank you so much,” the clerk said.
“You’re welcome.” I glared at him. “What’s her forwarding address?”
“We’re not allowed to give you that.”
“What’s her fucking address?”
“I really don’t know, Taylor…” He actually looked scared. “But if you want, you can check with the main mail room—it’s not going out until Sunday.”
“Thank you…” I exhaled and slowly let go of the box.