Page 55 of The Fake Out Flex

"Sounds like it was a big day," Hannah says as we start to make our way back. "Like you finally got closure on the Bryce chapter of your life."

"I really feel like I have."

I start telling them about the conversation I had with Bryce but when I reach the part where I thanked him, they all look about as surprised as he did.

Beth: "In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say I don't understand why you did that."

Summer: "I kinda get it. It was a power move."

Beth: "How so?"

Summer: "Being the bigger person, and all that. Right, Evie?"

Me: "I don't know about that. Part of me still feels bad about making him?—"

I glance nervously at Amiel, then at Hannah since she brought her here and knows her better than the rest of us.

"It's okay," Hannah says with a smile. "Amiel is one of us, too."

Summer: "She is?"

Hannah: "She is."

Beth: "Right on, sister!"

Amiel, to her credit, despite looking confused because she has no idea what we're talking about, is taking our weirdness in good stride.

So I say what I was going to say. "I hate that this is how I feel, but there is a part of me that blames myself for things ending with Bryce because I made him…wait."

We reach the bottom of the hill, and I need to re-tie my shoelace. The girls wait for me. Once I'm done, I continue walking.

Alone.

I spin around. No one has moved, and now they have looks on their faces.

Hannah: "You did not just say that, did you?"

I scratch my arm.

Beth: "Because we have been over this, Evie."

Summer: "A million times."

Hannah: "Looks like we might need to make it a million and one."

The girls approach me.

Hannah: "I will say this and keep saying this until it finally sinks in. There is nothing wrong about wanting to wait until you're married."

Her voice is firm.

Summer and Beth nod their heads, backing Hannah up.

Even Amiel gives me a shy nod.

The four of us have another nickname. A private one that only we know.

The Vinaigrettes.

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