Page 176 of The Perfect Love

“Are you sure?”

I give a firm nod, even though I don’t feel firm. It’s not that I don’t want to go, it’s just a place I have to push myself out of mycomfort zone. The longer I build it up in my head, the worse it’ll be.

“I’m sure. I’d love to meet your friends.”

“Thank you.” He brushes a kiss to my neck. “I love having you by my side, no matter what I’m doing.” His phone goes off again, and he looks at it. This time, he smiles. “Good news. You won’t just have me with you. Hyla will be there too.”

“Really?” I say excitedly.

“Yep. She’s got a couple of days free this coming week. I think she’ll be here for your girls’ night on Monday too, but don’t mention it. I’m sure she wants to surprise people.”

“More than likely.”

Hyla’s glow up since kicking her parents out of her life has only gotten better. She went to school to become a flight attendant, and with a connection from Rae and Sarah’s cousin who plays professional football, she got a job working as a private flight attendant. Right now, she’s working with a minor league baseball team. In even better news, she officially cut all ties to her former parents by having Liz adopt her. I had no idea adult adoption was a thing, but it’s made them both—and Trevor—so much happier. We had a whole celebration over the summer when it was official.

I let out a little sigh. “It’ll be good if she’s there for girls’ night.”

Unfortunately, while summer was kind to us and Hyla, it wasn’t kind to everyone. Amanda and Jamie hit a rough patch right as we got back to school. They’re doing better now, but it was tough for a bit. But the worst of things happened to Sarah. Her biological parents returned, fucked up her life even more, then left in an explosive and dramatic exit. Sarah has been struggling since, and it’s only getting worse. I’m hoping a visit with Hyla, who has always connected with her about the hard stuff, will help.

“Yeah,” Trevor says solemnly.

“It sucks not being able to help your friends when they’re hurting.”

He blinks at me. “Sorry. Did we just switch places? That’s usually my line.”

I shove his shoulder. “Yes, I know, my wonderful protector.” I sigh and lean against him. “It’s strange to feel this happy when I know they’re hurting.”

He runs his fingers down my back. “I know, but we have to hold on to our happiness when we have it. We all go through dark times, and it’s the joy and love from the people around us that help us heal and move forward.”

I smile against his neck. “Who are you and what have you done with my grumpy, growly boyfriend?”

“Therapy, babe.”

We both laugh at that.

“I like being happy.”

He kisses my forehead. “Yeah, me too.”

I’m not going to throw up.

Just because we’re almost to Syracuse does not mean that my life is about to implode.

Good thoughts, Chelsea. Good thoughts.

Or any thoughts.

I flick my eyes up to the rearview mirror, catching Hyla’s gaze. She must sense my panic because she jumps in with a question for Trevor, who is driving.

“How was guys’ night last night? How’s Joel doing?”

Trev sighs. “Not great. This stuff with Sarah is hard on him. I get it. I told him I’m here if he needs me. I wish I could help more, but I know what it’s like when she gets to this place.Usually, she needs someone to call her on her bullshit. In high school, that was her grandparents—especially her grandfather—but she’s shut down with everyone… I’m assuming. How was she last night?”

“Quiet.”

“Yeah,” Hyla agrees. “I tried to remind her of our mantra to spiral up and keep fighting, but she was really withdrawn. Maybe I should try to talk to her more.”

“I think Rae is going to reach out to their parents… or already has? I’m not sure. She needs help. Hopefully, she’ll get it. And Joel too.”

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