Page 25 of Madness

"I don't know," I say honestly. "But I want to find out. For the first time since Chloe... I want to try."

Connor nods, his expression serious. "And the sobriety thing? You've told her about that, right?"

"I did," I admit. " I want to be upfront about everything."

"Good," Connor says. "You've worked hard to get where you are. She should know that."

I'm quiet for a moment, thinking about how far I've come. "Sometimes I can hardly believe it myself. Potentially dating again... it's a lot."

Connor reaches over to clap me on the shoulder. "You've got this, man. And you know I've got your back, right? Whatever you do."

"I know," I say, grateful for his unwavering support. "Thanks, man."

"So," Connor says, a mischievous glint in his eye. "When are you gonna ask her out? For real, I mean. Not just late-night diner talks."

I run a hand through my hair, suddenly nervous. "I don't know. Soon, I hope. If she's interested."

Connor snorts. "Dude, she stayed hours after her shift to talk to you. I'd say she's interested."

I can't help but smile at that. "Maybe you're right."

"Of course I'm right," Connor says, taking a bite of his creation and immediately grimacing. "About Lauren, at least. Definitely not about my cooking skills."

As we laugh and Connor dramatically throws his meal in the trash, I find my mind drifting back to Lauren. To her laugh, her resilience, the way her eyes light up when she talks about her son.

For the first time in a long time, I feel a spark of excitement for the future. A future that, just maybe, could include Lauren.

It's terrifying. It's exhilarating. And I can't wait to see where it leads.

15

DEAR PRUDENCE

LAUREN

The scent of freshly mowed grass mingles with the acrid smell of exhaust as I help Roman out of our beat-up Corolla. The community college looms before us, a maze of brick and possibility. My palms are sweaty as I grip Roman's tiny hand.

"Ready for an adventure, little man?" I ask, forcing cheer into my voice.

Roman nods, his mop of curls bouncing. "Is this where you become a super-nurse, Mommy?"

I can't help but smile. "That's the plan. Though I don't know about the 'super' part."

As we slowly climb the steps, my mind races. I'm excited, terrified, and everything in between. This is my chance to build a better life for us, but the timing couldn't be worse. Shannon's boxes are already half-packed, and Dakota... God, I can still taste his kiss, feel the promise of it. But soon, he'll be gone, too.

The lobby bustles with activity. Students chat animatedly, their laughter a stark contrast to the knot in my stomach. They hurry past, their backpacks loaded with books and dreams. I wonder if I look as out of place as I feel, a young mom with a toddler in tow. Roman presses against my leg, overwhelmed by the noise and movement.

"It's okay, baby," I murmur, running my fingers through his hair. "Want a lift?"

He nods, and I scoop him up, his familiar weight anchoring me. We make our way to the admissions office, my eyes darting to the posters lining the walls. "RN to BSN Program," one proclaims. "Fast-Track LPN Certification," says another. So many options, so many decisions.

"Mommy?" Roman's voice pulls me back. "Are you scared?"

Leave it to my perceptive little guy to see right through me. "A little," I admit. "But that's okay. Sometimes, the best things in life are a little scary at first."

Like falling for a recovering addict rockstar, a voice in my head adds. I push the thought away.

"Can I help you?" A middle-aged woman with kind eyes smiles at us from behind the counter.

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