Page 62 of Bless My Body

“No.”

“But you did it anyway?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, Ezra. This might be the stupidest thing you’ve ever done.”

I hate that she’s right. There’s no way I’m coming out of this situation without getting hurt.

“Thanks, Sadie. You really know how to twist the knife, don’t you?”

She shrugs. “I just don’t want to watch you get hurt.”

“Mm-hmm.” I push off the door and head toward my room.

“What is it about her, Ezra? Why can’t you let her go?” I stop and turn to look at her.

“She’s just different from most girls.”

Sadie rolls her eyes. “That’s such a typical guy answer.”

“It’s true. She’s never tried to impress me. She’s just herself around me. She doesn’t care who I

am or who my family is. She jokes around with me, she’s honest with me, she’s beautiful. She’s just

one of those people you can’t get out of your head, you know?”

Sadie nods. “Yeah. I know.” A flash of sadness crosses her eyes, and I’m afraid that I might be

that person for her. I pretend like I don’t notice because I don’t want to revisit the conversation about

our relationship that was never a relationship. It was one night, and I hate that it doesn’t mean as much

to me as it does to her. But I can’t help how I feel, and I know she can’t either. “Well, good luck. I

hope you know what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

I don’t respond. There’s nothing to say. I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into. I don’t know

how I got myself wound so tightly around Celine’s finger. I’ve never been this way with anyone. Even

with old girlfriends, I never felt this way about them. Celine could ask me to go to space with her, and

I’d call up Jeff Bezos asking how to get a spot on the next rocket. I hate that I’m like this with her, but

I can’t stop it. She’s completely consumed me.

I walk back into my room, shutting the door behind me. Celine’s scent lingers. My bed is a mess

from the sex we had this morning. I should wash the sheets, but I decide against it. At least for a day

or two. I want to feel like she’s still with me.

God, I’m pathetic.

I make my bed and throw my discarded clothes in my laundry basket before sitting down and

running my hands over my face.