Page 141 of You Fall First

Real. Another scary four-letter word.

Maren

Just be yourself. Be honest. Tell him exactly what you want.

Maren

And don’t even start with the “i have no idea what i want” garbage. You know WHO you want.

Me

I do. I also know I do NOT want to be hurt.

Maren

So walk into that restaurant like the boss woman you are and show Noah Stadler everything he is so blessed to have. You’ve got a killer new job, a killer family, and a killer best friend. HE is the lucky one.

Me

Can you please sneak in early and hide under the tablecloth?

Maren

Say the word.

Me

You really are the best. But I think I’m good. As good as I can be. I have to take a risk sometime. But if things go south, I may end up on your doorstep.

Maren

I’ll leave the light on.

Maren

But you won’t need it.

Noah

Can’t wait to see you tonight. Sorry I’ve been so busy the past couple days.

Me

Don’t apologize. It would be weird if you weren’t busy. How’s Paige doing? Is your new roommate adjusting all right?

Noah

She seems a little lost, to be honest. But that makes sense. She’s a creature of habit. Feeling at home here is gonna take some time. Once she starts work, she’ll feel more settled. Routines are good for her.

Me

RIP our calendars trying to see each other, though.

Noah

Things won’t always be like this.

Me