Page 37 of The Chance

“It’s … I—”

I do need you.

IneedyouIneedyouIneedyou.

“I’ll be here when you get back, okay?” he says when I can’t get the words out. His smile is the fakest thing I’ve ever seen, and ithurts. “Be the wild rockstar in Europe. Who knows, maybe you’ll like it more.”

He takes a step back and I’m too shocked to call out. Then another I can’t stop. Another. Until he’s walking back inside my sister’s store, and I’m left in the wake of his destruction.

I’m out of time.

“But we’re best friends …” I whisper to the rain through numb lips, though I know it’s too late. “Right?”

He’s already gone.

Chapter Eighteen

Jordan

“Come on, man,” Cedarcalls from her chair, her hands busy packing her bags. “We’re all going to meet up with them in Dublin. Ink for everyone.”

I nod and keep my ass right where it has been for weeks.

“I’ll be here when you get back.”

Chapter Nineteen

Jordan

“We’ll be home forChristmas,” Mac murmurs into the phone and something akin to hope threatens to blossom in my chest.

He didn’t come.

Chapter Twenty

Jordan

Me:It’s almost midnight on your side of the planet so, Happy New Year from the past, Vida.

Mac:happy new year, tyro.

Please don’t kiss anyone.

Chapter Twenty-One

Jordan

“This year’s Skittle combois red, orange, and white,” I say into the voice memo I’m preparing to send to Mac and lean into the bare studs behind me. “Why they added orange in the Valentine’s bag doesn’t make sense to me, but I think they’re my favorite.”

Because they remind me of you.

Bright and sunny.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Mac

I look at thetimestamp on the message from Jordan and my stomach cramps so bad that I hold it.

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