Page 147 of Introvert

"You can do it," I said. "If you want to go, I know you can."

"Thanks, princess.What are your plans?"

I gave a small shrug. "Show up the first day of senior year with my violin in hand.Fly under the radar until graduation,and go to college, I guess. Whatever happens, music will definitely be a part of my life."

Felixnodded. "I get that."

"I'll miss this though."

"You mean the tour?"

"Yeah," I said and swallowed. "That and other things."

"What other things?" Felix said.

He sounded like he really cared about the answer. I looked into his eyes and knew then that there would never be a perfect moment to tell him. There were no perfect words.I was young, inexperienced, and introverted, but I knew it took courage to speak your heart.Drawing on all of my reserves, I tried to do just that.

"I have a confession to make," I said.

"Sounds serious."

"But I don't want you to feel any kind of pressure."

"I won't."

I paused.

"Come on, princess. Tell me," he said.

"You were my first slow dance."

Felix's lips tipped up.

"My first kiss too, though you know that already."

"Why is that again?" he said.

"No one was interested," I said.

Felix shook his head. "Trust me, princess. They were."

"No, they—"

"They were," he said in a voice that brooked no argument.

"Anyway, I used to think guys—and people in general—freaked me out, but recently, I realized it's actually being close to someone, letting them in, because that's a risk.I'mgrateful for this experience because I learned so much about myself."

I took a deep breath, knowing this would be the hard part.

"I want to tell you something."

"Go for it, princess."

"I love you," I said. "Youdon't have to say it back. Ijust wanted you to know."

At first, I thought maybe I'd said it too quietly or too rushed, but the surprised look on Felix's face said he'd heard me loud and clear.

"Did you just…?"

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