You didn't eat anything yet today so I wanted to make sure you got something. I wish I was sorry I ruined your date, but I'm not. I'm only sorry my actions took away your beautiful smile. I hope you still love chocolate and ridiculously sugary coffee.
— Your Starlight
The note falls.
Stinging tears soak my cheeks.
My arm sweeps across the counter, knocking everything to the floor with a spectacular crash. Coffee sprays the cabinets, the tile, the appliances. Mitz vanishes with a high-pitched squeak.
The strangled sounds of my sobs surround me as I fish the note from the remains of my tantrum, smoothing out the soggy paper.
It’s like he’s reaching into my chest with his words and tearing my broken heart out.
“Bastard,” I whimper and shred it.
10
Remy
Six Years Ago
Just five school days until…freedom!
For winter break, at least.
I’ve already checked out. All I can think about is how much time I’ll have with Win, visiting all my favorite hidden beach spots, even though he bitches and moans about the sand. At least the weather has cooled off so he can’t use the heat as an excuse.
A hand waves in front of my face.
“Earth to Remy,” Andrea sings, snapping me out of my runaway imagination.
“Sorry, what?”
She rolls her eyes and resumes transforming her ponytail into a braid while we walk.
“I asked what time we’re meeting for your birthday tomorrow”
My birthday. Right. We have a tradition: every year we see the worst-rated movie in the theaters, eat our weight in popcorn and M&Ms (if you don’t combine them, you’re doing it wrong) and end the night by sneaking beer from Dad’s stash.
But that plan doesn’t include Win.
I bite my lip.
She stops, fists propped on her hips. The mini cheer pom keychain I got her last year for Christmas bounces indignantly on the zipper of her red backpack.
“You’re not bailing.”
I’ve been a shitty friend, blowing her off constantly. It’s not fair to her.
And yet, I still hesitate.
She stomps her foot. “Remy, just invite Win!”
My eyes widen.That’s an option?She reads my expression and sighs dramatically. “You’re an idiot.”
“How am I an idiot?”
She levels an exasperated glare at me, but the corners of her lips twitch up. “Are wefinallygonna talk about it?”
