登入Greg: The apartment is exactly how you left it before I returned into your life. I managed to get a flight back to San Diego tonight. I left my copy of your key on the kitchen counter. I’m sorry for trying to control your life without your permission or input. I was scared, and I handled it badly. I
The second the video call ends, the quiet booth suddenly feels heavier. I stare down at my dark phone screen for a moment while emotions continue twisting painfully inside my chest. Going home to California. Seeing Chase. Leaving Greg. Everything feels messy. Complicated even. Maybe even too complic
I blink. The words hit far too close to home. The table goes quiet. Even the twins exchange a look because they could see by my expression that the statement landed. I stare down into my coffee. “That’s exactly it,” I admit quietly. My voice is cracking slightly. “I just…” I swallow hard. “I finall
I stare at my phone for a second before finally hitting the group video call. The screen rings twice. Then two faces appear almost instantly. Sav is sprawled across a couch somewhere, wearing one of Chase’s hoodies with her blonde hair thrown into a messy bun, while Selena appears from what looks li
“Yes!” The anger comes rushing back instantly. “He told them everything that happened and made the decision himself.” Robin winces a little. “Oh…” “And then,” I continue heatedly, “he starts diagnosing me with some PTSD bullshit because of one nightmare.” Wren and Robin exchange another look. I se
I barely make it anywhere down the hallway before my knees give out. The apartment door slammed shut behind me seconds earlier, but instead of storming off as I intended, I sink down against the wall outside my own apartment with tears pouring uncontrollably down my face. My chest hurts. Not physica
“We will be fine, babe, I have confidence that your folks will love me and support our relationship.” I nod and revel in his confidence. He’s right, we will be fine, I just need to believe it myself. I have never been the one who lacks confidence. I have always executed it. Maybe I lost who I used t
I pick up the black dress and slid into the bathroom to put it on. It’s a short A-line black dress with sheer embellished sleeves and a lace-up back. It looks stunning on me. It hugs my curves and makes it look like I have legs for days. I fasten the top lace around the shoulders for the sleeves of
Later that night, I am in my hotel room getting ready for this dinner with the guy I’m dating and my parents. I can’t truly say if Garrett is my boyfriend, as we haven’t had a conversation to make things official. Well, we’ve not exactly had the time to have this conversation. Our calls and texts la
“Oh, come on now, dear, that is something at least. I trust Jennifer’s judgement, you should too.” I just hope Mom can calm Dad down to let me live my life and not be under their shadow for the rest of my life. I turn and look at my dad to see a contemplating look on his face. Is what Mom just said







