Page 125 of Fauxmance

I could almost see her smiling in my mind's eye. "You sound stronger. I don't know what it is."

I did.

I'd been thinking about it all night and had finally come to a decision.

"I'm going to tell Hayden how I feel," I said.

"Oh Magnolia, be careful. Cole told me he doesn't do commitment."

I rolled my shoulders back. "Still. I've got to try. You called it a while back, Jas. This isn't just fun for me. I want more."

She exhaled heavily.

"Listen, seriously, don't worry about me," I said.

"You're my baby sister," she said. "Of course, I'm going to worry about you."

I cleared my throat. "But you'll still support me, right? However this turns out?"

"Always," she said.

Something in my chest loosened, and I felt like I could breathe easier.

"Thank you, Jas," I said. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she said. "And tell Hayden, I will break every bone in his too-pretty face if he hurts you."

"Nice," I chuckled.

"I mean it. Ooh, we're approaching a tunnel," she said hurriedly. "TellMom I love her and not to worry. Hayden's lucky to have your affection. Remember that. I'm rooting for you, Magnolia."

I smiled. "You and Cole stay safe and have fun. Love you, Jas."

"Love you," she said. "Oh, and—"

I never got to find out the end of that sentence because her phone cut out, but I think I got the gist. Having my sister's support meant a lot to me. Now, I just needed to leave this closet and follow through with my plan.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out—and walked straight into Annabelle.

"Hey," she said, "I was looking for you."

I held out my arms. "Here I am. I was just talking to my sister."

"I heard."

When I lifted a brow, Annabelle blushed.

"Okay, honestly, I wasn't looking for you," she said. "I was just trying to get away from my relatives and soon-to-be in-laws. This engagement party is way more intense than I wanted it to be."

I nodded, thinking of all the people filling up Mrs.Davenport's massive living room and the feast of food in her kitchen. "It is pretty extravagant."

"Right?" Annabelle shook herself, and then added, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but this was a place I always used to hide as a child. Grandma and the others never found me here. No one but Hayden. I couldn't help but listen when I heard what you were saying to your sister. Sorry."

"It's okay," I said. "So, you heard everything?"

She nodded.

"Are you going to tell me I'm crazy for wanting to try for more with Hayden, too?"

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