Page 135 of From You to Me

What I should’ve done was focused on myself. Instead of wishing for the version of the girl I used to be, I should’ve grown into the version I could be.

The epiphany was rooted deep in my bones.

In the end, the only thing that mattered was me.

And that was the lesson I needed to learn.

Though, my ego would admit that it felt so fucking good to punch her fake nose off her face.

My phone vibrated on the table.

Jay–Let’s go, I’m outside.

My eyes dragged to the full-blown window, and a familiar obsidian sports car was parked outside.

Evy–You can’t just make demands. I’m out with my friends.

Jay–Would you come out if I said please?

I had to suppress the smile starting to curve up my lips.

Lily slid a knowing glance my way, gesturing to the car. “Is that my brother?”

“Yes,” I mumbled, putting my phone away. “I’m trying to be stronger when it comes to him. If he wants to see me, he’ll have to wait.”

Lily scoffed. “I bet you’re going to be running out of here in like five minutes.”

“No, I’m not,” I said, shrugging out a breath. “Am I?”

Lily nodded. “You so are.”

Loud, boisterous laughter came in from beside us. Lily and I both sighed as we watched Katy and Gabe forget all abouttheir earlier heated debate over pizzas to plan an elaborate celebratory party with piñatas shaped like White that they could hit over and over again.

My attention snapped back to the table as my phone pinged with an incoming text once again.

Jay–If you don’t come out in five minutes, I’ll personally come inside and escort you out.

Panic filled my blood. I didn’t want him to come in here, at all.

Evy–No, don’t. I don’t want to be seen with you.

Jay–You do realize everyone wants to be seen with me, right?

Evy–That’s everyone, not me.

Jay–Four minutes and ticking, sweetheart.

Fuck. I planned to be strong another day as I shot off the chair.

“I told you so.” Lily smiled, shaking her head.

“Yeah, your brother’s being an ass. I have to go, guys.” I hugged Gabe quickly while I kissed the girls goodbye. I crouched down to gather my purse, which was wide open for some reason.

Frowning, I closed the zipper. I was pretty sure it was closed when I dropped it on the floor.

But I didn’t have time to dwell on it as I dashed out.

“Go get some dick, Evy. You deserve it,” Gabe hollered followed by giggles from the girls.

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