Page 130 of Introvert

"We could always drive you there," she said.

Leaning back, I said, "What about work?"

"I can take some time off."

"But Dad just got out of the hospital. The doctor said he's supposed to relax."

She bit her lip. "I could do most of the driving."

I frowned, thinking about how taxing it would be on them physically, the expense of travel, both gas and lodging, and the fact that I wasn't sure of my welcome.

"What is it?"

"Maybe this is a sign," I said, "that it's time to stop dreaming and go back to my normal life."

"Or it could be a test to see if you'll let this stop you. I know you,Ror. You're not a quitter."

Mom sounded sure even if I wasn't.

Felix's warm eyes flashed in my mind, making my heart clench.

"I'm not sure I can face him again," I said quietly.

Her smile was full of sympathy. "You can. Andif you don't, I think you'll regret not saying goodbye."

"Mom…I miss him already."

"And I'd bet everything I have that he misses you more."

I sighed, still unsure about what to do.

"You'll figure it out," Momsaid. "You havetime, Ror. Just breathe, and the answer will come to you."

#

The time passed quickly.

I spent most of it playing violin, hanging out with my parents, trying (and failing) not to think about Felix, sitting outside in a park re-reading my tour diary, and/or sleeping like the dead.

Before I knew it the day of the HERS show arrived.I got upbefore dawn andwas ready to go. But…

I was still no closer to a decision.

My cousins, however, all agreed.

"You have to go back," Viola said simply, staring at me through the computer screen.

"But I can't," I said.

"Can't and won't are two very different things, Ror."

Lottie nodded. "She's right.Don't let some guy determine your actions—even one as amazing as Felix."

"Amazing?" Scarlett sniffed. "I'm still not over how he told you he wanted to date you then ditched you. Just like that."

"Ouch," I said.

But Freya was nodding her head. "I know, right?" she said. "I used to be a Felix Cordova fan, mostly because he was the other half ofFerora, but I'm still not over the inconsistency."

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