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When I spoke with Maggie about it, she told me to follow my gut. If my gut tells me to ghost him, then do it.

It’s probably not the best advice, but it was enough to convince me.

She’s been in college for almost two years now.

We try to stay in contact as much as possible, but it can be hard with her full-time student schedule and my full-time work schedule. I take double shifts almost every day at the restaurant.

I’ve been trying to convince her to come home. Or run away somewhere. I was thinking maybe Los Angeles. But I’ve heard that it’s full of phonies. I’ve floated around the idea of Florida, but Maggie isn’t a fan of humidity. I’ve always loved New York, and it has similar seasons over there to Washington.

My grandma and her sisters took me on a trip there when I was sixteen. It’s one of my favorite places that I’ve visited.

The city was so magical, with endless possibilities—that’s exactly what I need.

When Maggie and I were younger, we’d dream about living together. It was always kid stuff, but if we don’t like what our lives are looking like, why can’t we change it? I have over ten grand saved up from working with almost no spending. Eloise thinks I pay my dad for rent and groceries, but he doesn’t make me do it. I have enough to move and to find a job. It’s just a matter of fully convincing Maggie.

I think I can do it.

21

Present Day

Mark and Kathy are outside for their nightly walk. “Rain or shine,” Mark had said with a goofy smile.

Now I know where Sean gets it from.

Bailey and the girls joined them, leaving Sean and I to tackle dinner tonight on our own.

I look at his parents and can’t help but think of my dad. I wish he had someone special to spend his days with. He still hasn’t replied to my text from yesterday, so I texted him again this morning. He must be busy with work.

“Who taught you how to cook?” I ask, staring at Sean’s hands moving in a swift motion.

He smirks as he finishes off an orange pepper.

“My dad. He wanted to be a chef when he was younger, but he eventually went into business instead.”

Everyone tells you to do the practical thing instead of following your dreams. When you’re a little kid, it’s all about being whatever you wish. Once you hit fifteen though, it’s all about the serious choices. Why is it that parents do that? Let you believe you can be anything you want, but then eventually change their minds and all of a sudden you’re unrealistic?

“I’ll have to thank him when he comes back, because I love your food,” I say, taking a pepper off the cutting board and tossing it into my mouth.

He crosses behind me, throwing the freshly cut vegetables in the pan. They sizzle as smoke runs high to the ceiling.

“If I could cook you a specific meal, what would it be?” His eyes twinkle, as if this is a trick question.

“Hmmm. I think maybe pot roast,” I answer. “I love pot roast.”

He tilts his head to the side, looking me over. “I’ll make it for you.”

“Really?”

“How about tomorrow night?”

“I was actually thinking about going to see my dad tomorrow night. He still hasn’t confirmed, but I’m sure he’s free. How about the day after?”

“Sure, sounds great.”

“I just feel like I haven't been spending enough time with him.”

He smiles down at his feet, eyebrows furrowed. “You mean you’ve been spending too much time with me, right?” he jokes.