Page 35 of Let Me

“You didn’t have to.I hear it in your voice.”

“I mean, I’m just curious as to how far you’re willing to go with him.He told you he didn’t want a relationship.”

“I know.”

“He told you he has cancer.”

“I know, but what if I told you that’s not a deterrent for me?”

“No, Autumn.Don’t do this to yourself.You’re thinking with your heart and not your head.”

“I like him, Riley.Should I just dismiss the way he makes me feel?”

“How does he make you feel?”

I breathe and say, “He makes me feel like I can fly.Like I can do anything.I feel excitement.”

“He told you he only wanted to be friends.”

“Yeah, but men change their minds all the time, right?”

“Girl, you’re giving me a headache.”

“Okay, so put yourself in my shoes.If you were me and you met a guy who had a diagnosis like cancer, but he’s the most incredible man you’ve ever met in your entire life, what would you do?”

“The most incredible man you’ve ever met?That’s what he is to you?”

“He is.”

“Then I really don’t have anything else to say against it.I mean, wow!Really, Autumn?I don’t ever recall you being so infatuated.”

“It’s not infatuation.”

“Then what is it?”

I shrug.“Right now, it’s something I can’t explain, but I’m loving it.I really am.”

“Just be careful, girl.I wouldn’t want you to mess around and get your hopes and dreams dashed behind chasing a guy who clearly said he didn’t want a relationship.”

“I get that, and I’m glad I got you to look out for me.However, I think there’s something with Judah that I need to explore despite what he said he didn’t want.I have to do this, Riley.I want to.”

“Then, go for it.”

“Thank you.Alright.I better get ready for bed—gotta be up bright and early in the morning.”

“Me, too.”

Chapter 10

I pull up at Commonplace Books, trying to keep a level head like Riley advised me, yet I don’t want to be too guarded, because I want to experience the same euphoric feeling I felt when I was with Judah at the park yesterday.This time, the dynamic will be different, because we’re once again in a group setting.

I go inside and immediately see Luna.She has shells and gold beads hanging in her locs.The dress she has looks like something a mermaid would wear.She looks up, sees me, and her eyes brighten.

“Autumn!”

“Hey, Luna,” I say, greeting her with a hug.

As we separate, she says, “Oooh, you look pretty.I like those pants and that blouse.”

---