Page 142 of Finding Hope

I want to tell her that I love her. I don’t know why I keep putting it off, but right now, when we’re not even in the same state, it’s not the right time.

“What am I, Jack?”

“My girlfriend.”I love you.

“Jack,” Kit hisses across the table. Turning her phone, she shows me the image of me and Amber in an ‘embrace.’ Then me and Bambie kissing out front of the gym. Then me and Steph… at prom.

The caption reads‘This Romeo moves on, but will any girl live up to his first Juliet?’

Fuck.

“Bambie–”

“I’ve gotta go for now, okay? Annie and Bowser are just about to eat each other.”

“Who’s Bowser?”

“Alex’s dog.”

“Shit, I didn’t know he had a dog. Is it cool that Annie’s there? You can drop her off with Tina or Iz, they won’t mind.”

“It’s fine. The dogs are getting along fine, but they both want to sitonme right this second, so they’re giving each other the beady eye. I’ve gotta go.”

“Bambie–”

“Call me later if you want, okay? I promise we’re okay. We can video chat and I’ll show you my pretties.”

I sigh and flop back into my chair. “Alright. I’ll call you in a little while.”

“Alright. Later, Jack.”

30

BRITT

CONFESSION

Two days after Jack’s frenzied call home, Annie and I climb out of the Mustang and wander along the grass and tree lined gardens.

He’s due home late tonight. Their flight leaves at five p.m. their time, and they’ll arrive here at eleven our time. I’m counting down the minutes; I’ve missed himthatmuch.

I won’t be the needy chick, the one who calls and begs him to come back, but damn, I miss him.

Seeing the photos the other night – not of him and the fan, but of him and Steph – sliced me open more than I ever expected it would.

They were just babies. They grew up together and have a whole lot of shared history. I told Jack I would never bethatgirl. I promised Steph that I wouldn’t compete – because I’d never win – but seeing the articles hurt more than I expected they would.

Sighing, I walk along the pebbled walkway and kick rocks as I fuss with my Bambie bracelet. Picture after picture of the young couple run through my mind like a movie reel.

I’ve caught feelings for him, and I’m turning into the chick I said I wouldn’t be.

Annie leads me to Steph easily, like she’s done this a million times before… I think she probably has. And as soon as we’re close enough I can read Steph’s name, I sit down and try to ignore the knife slicing in my gut.

“Good morning, Steph.”

Lazily flopping down on the grass beside me, Annie lays her head in my lap and waits for an ear scratch.

It doesn’t escape me that I’m petting Stephanie’s dog. That I’m in love with Steph’s dog.

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