Page 157 of Seale the Deal

The next day, I’m getting ready for work. I’m just pulling my shirt on when I hear my front door open. Immediately, my heart quickens, and I rush out of my room, equally hopeful it’s Wrenley but also scared.

When I’m halfway down the stairs, disappointment washes over me as I’m met by my sister.

Hey, she says.

Are you—

She holds up her hand. I don’t have any messages from Wrenley, she says. I just came to grab a few things she forgot.

There’s a part of me that’s relieved to hear she’s only picking up a few things and not all the rest of her stuff. It means Wrenley hasn’t made any decisions yet. Of course, that also means Wrenley hasn’t made any decisions yet. Since she left, I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time looking at my phone, checking the driveway, and wondering if every notification is going to be the one that changes anything. In doing that, I’m also deeply aware that Wrenley isn’t the kind of person who would tell me her choice over the phone.

This waiting thing is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

She’s good, though? I ask, unable to help myself.

Remi nods. As good as she can be, given the circumstances.

We stand in silence for a moment.

You know, I’m really proud of you, Remi says.

My brows knit together. You are?

Yeah, she says. I know it couldn’t have been easy to let Wrenley go. I’ve seen how you look at her, and I know whatever you feel for her is deeper than anything you’ve felt before. The way you two are together… She trails off and smiles softly. It made me believe that maybe people really do find the person they’re supposed to spend their life with. You know, outside my books.

I always assumed most of what I felt for Wrenley lived inside me, tucked away in the moments we shared together. The realization that Remi noticed it makes me feel strangely exposed, like something I thought belonged only to us has been visible all along. At the same time, I’m grateful for it. At least I know I got to experience a love that seeps out and touches the people around you.

Thanks, I say. I’ll let you do what you gotta do. I’m going to head out to work.

She nods and starts up the stairs while I continue down.

At the bottom, I stop and turn. Rem?

She looks over her shoulder. Yeah?

For what it’s worth, I think that person is out there for you too.

She scoffs in her typical Remi fashion. I appreciate the sentiment, but I like my romantic drama in fiction only.

I chuckle. Whatever you say.

Yeah, she agrees with a playful smile. Whatever I say.

You’re a pain in my ass, I say, but I love you. And I’m grateful for all you’re doing, especially now.

Love you too, significantly bigger pain in my ass.

She gives me one last smile before heading up the stairs.

I watch my sister, knowing I’m right. Remi deserves someone who sees everything she is and knows how damn lucky they are. Even if she’s convinced she doesn’t want them.

Chapter 34

Wrenley

DAYS LEFT ON VISA: 26

The clock on the wall turns from 12:59 to 1:00.