Page 88 of How Sweet It Is

“Hey, I saw the trial on the news. I’m glad you helped put away that scumbag.”

We talk for a little about the trial and about my time in witness protection. I even tell her a little about Levi, which is odd, because Natalie and I don’t ever talk like that.

“You should totally call him,” she says at the end of our conversation. “He sounds like a real catch.”

I hang up, breathing deeply, feeling like I just broke through the surface after drowning for years. For the first time in a long time, I don’t feel trapped. The guilt, the obligation, the constant weight of trying to earn love that should’ve been given freely is starting to lift.

Maybe I don’t owe my mom my life just because she gave me one. Maybe love isn’t meant to feel like a job you can’t clock out of.

I think of Levi. His steady hands, that lopsided smile with the dimple on one side, and the way he looked at me like I was worth fighting for. Zoey’s words echo in my head:You’re allowed to want something for yourself.

I want him.

I want a life that feels like mine.

And maybe for the first time, I believe I’m allowed to have it.

CHAPTER 43

CLAIRE MATTHEWS — WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

My doorbell rings, and I open the door to Zoey, who crushes me in a bear hug. “I’m so proud of you.”

I breathe in and let it out. “I’m kind of proud of me too.”

Zoey lets go and holds me at arm’s length. “Tell me exactly what you said.”

“I told my mother that I’m done being manipulated and that I’m going back to Willow Shade Island and nothing she could say would stop me.” I point at all my suitcases, packed and ready.

Zoey makes a fist and punches the air. “Yes! And what did she say?”

“She tried it all. You were totally right about everything. I got the guilt trip, the blame trip, and the ‘your sister would never do this to us’ trip. That last one made me laugh, though, because Natalie got out of Dodge a long time ago.”

“You were so brave. Honey, I love you.” Zoey squeezes me tight again. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.”

Zoey bites her lower lip. “Did you call him?”

I shake my head, because I chickened out. I don’t have the nerve to call him. “No. I think driving there and just showing up is the best thing to do. And if he’s got another girl, I’ll just slink back home, devastated.” My heart twists at that thought. But I am trying to prepare myself for that possibility, because Levi is a massive flirt. He could easily have had three new girlfriends since I left Willow Shade.

Zoey frowns and puts her hands on her hips. “If he’s got another girl, he wasn’t the right one for you.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself.” It’s just hard for me to believe it, because I want this so badly. I need Levi back in my life. I’ve missed himso much.

A knock comes on my door, and I startle.

Zoey turns around. “That better not be your mother.” She opens the door for me, but no one is standing there.

I step closer to see if I got a package. Nope. It’s a silver platter on my welcome mat. The fancy kind that looks like it belongs in a castle with a princess, with a dome cover, the handle sporting an ornate leaf pattern.

“What’s that?” Zoey asks. “I’ve never seen a DoorDash like that before.”

“I don’t know what it is. I didn’t order anything.” I pick up the large platter, and Zoey lifts the cover.

I blink, not quite trusting what I’m seeing. There must be a dozen éclairs. They’re sleek, glossy, and almost too pretty to eat. Each one is perfectly piped with a rich chocolate glaze that catches the light like glass. Delicate swirls of cream peek out from golden pastry shells, and the tops are sprinkled with what looks like edible gold dust, giving them an exotic look.

A small note catches my attention. It reads, “Éclairs for my Claire. Yes, they are gluten-free, because I love you.”

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