13
SADIE
I takethe list out of my nightstand drawer, unfolding it so I can mark offPaint the walls in my house.I’m not sure how we managed to finish in only three days, but the man could win a trophy if speed-painting were a sport. I’ve seen viral videos of men painting a wall within a few minutes, but I’d never seen it done in real life. He moved furniture, expertly taped off trim, and rolled paint onto walls more quickly than I can decide for myself—which might not really be saying much.
I study my list . . .
Try Something You’ve Never Done
Speed on a back road.
Order dessert first.
Quit something you’re “good” at.
Go somewhere without a plan.
Wear something just because I like it.
Climb the water tower.
Watchan R-rated movie.
Get a tattoo.
Kiss a stranger.
Paint the walls in my house.
I smile at the line through the words, butQuit something you’re “good” atstares back at me so hard it might as well be in bold. I fold the list back up, tucking it back in my drawer.
The kitchen is now blue, the living room green, the bathroom purple, my office pink, and my bedroom orange.
It still smells strongly of paint, but more importantly—it doesn’t completely feel like someone else’s house anymore. I’m not sure it really feels like mine, but it’s at least something new.
I hear my phone ding on the kitchen counter. I walk to it and open the text message.
Sophie
So, Grant . . .
Emma
Grant? What about Grant?
Sophie
Sadie is dating Grant.
Emma
Sadie, is that true? Are you dating Grant?
Sophie
It’s about time you put yourself out there, or at least your lips. How long has it been since you’ve kissed someone?
I haven’t kissed anyone but Milo. There was one time in college my roommate invited me on a double date. We went to the movies. His name was Ryder, and he radiated with excessive cologne—the kind that sticks to your lungs like seeping sap. He leaned in and I turned so his lips grazed my cheek. I just couldn’t bring myself to kiss lips that belonged to someone who didn’treally know me for more than a first impression—which is whyKiss a strangeris on my list.
