The University Grand Halllooms ahead. I adjust my lilac dress for the tenth time, mentally rehearsing responses to any Spencer family jabs about my “bartending career.” But as I round the corner, I stop dead.
Alfie and Marcie stand near the entrance, backlit by golden light spilling from the windows.
They look... perfect.
Like theybelongin this world together.
Marcie in her gorgeous dress, laughing at something Alfie’s saying, her hand resting on his arm with easy familiarity. And Alfie,God,he looks exactly like the heir he’s supposed to be in his perfectly tailored suit.
Something sharp twists beneath my sternum as an unwanted memory surfaces. Different parking lot, different perfect couple. Me at seventeen, watching Liam with Grace outside homecoming. They’d looked just as right together, both focused, ambitious, destined for ivy league futures. Not scattered and wild like me.
“I just want what’s best foryou,” Liam had said when I caught them. “Gracegetsit. Gets me. You’re just so...” He’d gestured vaguely at my bright dress, about everything and nothing in particular about me. “You’re exhausting sometimes, Tara.”
But that hadn’t stopped him from texting at 2 AM when Grace was busy. Hadn’t stopped me from answering, hoping that maybe this time he’d choose me. God, I’d spent months chasing after him like a desperate puppy, taking whatever scraps of attention he offered.
Looking back, I don’t know why I let him have that power over me. But at seventeen, his approval had felt likeoxygen. Every time he said I had “potential” if I’d just bemore serious, more focused, morelike Grace, I tried to reshape myself to fit his vision.
Now, watching Alfie with Marcie, that same sick feeling crawls up my throat. Because they make sense together. She's exactly the kind of woman the Spencers want for him - she's polished, sophisticated, from the right family.
I mean, they've made it abundantly clear that she isthewoman they want for him.
For the first time, I think I understand my dad a little better. Sometimes it's easier to walk away than to keep fighting against what everyone else wants. To choose the path of least resistance. Maybe that's what he did - saw my mom's academic world, the chaos of two kids, our intensity, our mess, and decided it was simpler to slip away instead.
My phone feels heavy in my hand as I type.
Space boy
Sorry, not feeling well. Can't make it tonight.
I watch Alfie check his phone, watch his brow furrow as he reads my message. Marcie says something that makes him shake his head, smile that rare smile that makes his eyes crinkle.
What’s wrong? I’ll come to see you.
No. Don’t. Enjoy the dinner.
Tara? Are you ok?
I can bring you something if you need?
I’m fine. It’s food poisoning. You don’t need to be here.
They really do lookperfecttogether.
I turn away before he can spot me, my heels clicking too loud on the pavement as I retreat. Because I won’t do this again, won’t let myself fall for someone who’ll never really choose me. Won’t become that girl who waits around hoping for scraps of affection. I’ll never fit into his world, I’ll never be what his family want and I won’t change myself for them.
Even if walking away from him tonight physically hurts, even if it feels like leaving pieces of myself behind.
Back in my apartment I collapse onto my bed, reaching for my phone before remembering I can’t tell Alex any of this. Alfie specifically asked me not to. Even though I may have accidently broken that promise with Becky earlier, but I had to tellsomeoneand she has nothing to do with our friendship group.
The urge to call Alex anyway is physical. Ineedmy best friend. I miss her.
She'd know exactly what to say about Mrs. Spencer's backhanded comments, would probably do a perfect impression that would have me crying with laughter instead of just... crying.
My thumb hovers over her contact. I put the phone down.
I should be able to handle this on my own.
The next morningI’m guilt scrolling on my phone ignoring Alfie’s messages asking about my well-being.
