Page 66 of Chase Lovett Wants Me

Brody’s always been nice to me, and he’s Chase’s best friend. So there’s hope yet. “I think I’m falling for him,” I admit. “I don’t want to get hurt.”

Essie’s smile turns empathetic. “Of course you don’t. No one does. But falling in love is part of life. And it’s amazing and scary and all the best things. Maybe Chase is it for you. Maybe you’ve found your one. But the only way to know for sure is to jump in with both feet.”

“It’s kind of terrifying.”

“Of course it is. But it can be so amazing, too. Sometimes we have to choose to live life scared, or we’re not really living it at all.”

“You’re right.”

“I know.”

“Thanks, Essie.”

“Anytime, little sis. Can I tell you how excited I am to finally come see you this weekend?” She sets the phone in a holder and turns on the sink.

“Mom and Dad have been messaging relentlessly. I seriously hope they don’t embarrass me,” I grumble. It’s parents’ weekend and there is no way Essie will miss out on this opportunity.

“They will one hundred percent embarrass you. But everyone’s parents will, so you won’t be alone. Will I meet Chase?” She wipes the mask off her face with a wet washcloth.

“Maybe. Probably?” I pull my hood up as realization hits me. “Oh my God, I have to meet his parents.”

“I can show up early and perform magic.” She flutters her fingers in front of her face.

“But you’re coming with Mom and Dad, right? We can just pick an outfit now and I’ll do my best with your tutorials for this.” I point to my face.

“Sounds good. Take me to your closet.”

Half an hour later, my meet-Chase’s-parents outfit is chosen, and I have four makeup tutorials to watch.

I sit my ass in my chair and finally,finallyfinish the short story for submission for the creative writing course next fall. The next step is to have it edited, but at least it’s drafted. You can’t fail if you don’t try, but you can’t succeed either.

Since I’m on a roll, I tackle an English assignment before I finally hop into my newest chapter. I have new messages from my fic bestie.

@therealophelia

Tell me university is better than high school.

@legagornsandwich

Hands down a million times better. Everything okay?

@therealophelia

Just the struggles of being the new girl in senior year. I want to fit in, but it’s hard when all these people have been together for the past four years.

@legagornsandwich

That really sucks. At least in university we’re all in the same position, brand new, meeting new people, finding friends who are exactly like us.

@therealophelia

Fingers crossed I get into Tilton next year.

@legagornsandwich

It would be so cool! We could fic together!

@therealophelia

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