I don’t want to care. I want to do what Sophie said. Say yes to what I want to and no to what I don’t. Allow people to judge if they want to but make my own decisions.
Milo’s blue eyes soften. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just didn’t want others to think you weren’t safe. Everyone’s been texting you.”
I glance at my phone still in my hands. Fifty-seven notifications.
This is ridiculous. Can no one else take care of these things? Isn’t anyone worried about what I want? What I need?
My grip around my phone tightens.
“Do we need to go back?” he asks softly. “I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”
Something stiffens through my spine. Resolve. Strength. Maybe even gumption.
Do it for the plot, Sadie Summers. Your plot. This is your life,I say to myself in my head.
“No,” I answer firmly.
“No?” Milo repeats the word much softer.
“No,” I say again with clarity. “I’m not going back just because they think they need me.”
I don’t look up at Milo. I open the texts, replying to each one with a new energy pulsing through my veins—an energy I haven’t felt for years.
No, I can’t set up a meal train for the Hendersons. Ask Rhonda Thomas.
No, I don’t know what day your community garden day is. Check the schedule.
No, I can’t help with bathing the cats at the shelter next Saturday. Text Ginny. She loves things with claws.
I ignore the group text with my sisters. Sophie is probably just wanting an update on whether I’ve kissed Milo yet, which brings me to the last text . . .
Grant’s.
Grant
Hey. Heard you’ve gone out of town. Will you be back Sunday for sunset and soda floats?
My thumb hovers for a few seconds before I take a deep breath.
Sadie
Hey, Grant. I’ll miss Sunday. I’m doing something for myself. Finally found that courage you talked about. I hope you’ll understand.
I send the text before I type out something else.
Sadie
I’m with Milo. You said you don’t like surprises.
I watch as the text moves slightly whenreadappears underneath. The dots don’t dance with a chance of a reply. My words seem to thicken, turning bold.
I’m with Milo.
Because when my world began to feel small, I ran to him.
I finally look up, and there’s a warm grin pressed deep against Milo’s cheeks.
“What?” I ask with a huff of a laugh.
