Page 48 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
“I guess I’m just wondering . . . You have a portfolio, right? I’m assuming it’s diverse enough.”
“It is—but it’s not just about the money. It’s knowing that whatever happens, I have a safety net because I only have myself to rely on.” I opened my mouth to say more, but I’d already said too much. She didn’t need to know how my mother never considered taking me with her when she divorced my father or that the one girl I’d loved broke up with me because I couldn’t give her what she needed.
I could almost hear the wheels whirring in Luna’s head. “You know, I always admired you for how independent you were,” she spoke carefully. “How you always seemed to have a plan. You’re like Ate that way.”
It was why her sister and I got along so easily. That, and how we didn’t enjoy socializing more than we needed to.
“I always wished I could be like that,” Luna said.
“Is that why you moved here?”
“I mostly moved to be with Ate, and look how that turned out. But I guess her leaving gave me the chance to really challenge myself. It’s why I stayed.” Her laugh came with an edge. “Even though my parents keep asking me to move back.”
My gut tightened at the possibility, which was strange given that I shouldn’t have any attachment to her in the first place. “Are you considering it?”
“No. I love it here.”
The tension in my shoulders dissolved.
“I don’t have to be the mediocre middle child when I’m here. I can be whatever I want to be.”
I sneaked a glance at her. “And that is?”
“Independent. Happy with life.” Shrugging, she said in a softer voice, “Just . . . myself.”
“Aren’t you all that already?”
She chewed her lip. “You know what? I’m not sure.”
chapter sixteen
luna
Chloe
Luna. You’re in Atlanta and you didn’t bring us with you?
Kriz
I told you, she’s with her sibs!
Chloe
Which means she’ll mingle with the players. Why were we not invited?
Luna
Haha next time!!
As we droveup to the hotel’s main entrance, the massive glass doors opened and my siblings walked out onto the carpet.
I gasped. “They’re really here.” I smiled widely as Ate waved at us with Lonzo towering behind her. They’d been in thecountry for four days now, but I wasn’t able to join them for Jason’s game in California because of my classes.
“Did you doubt it?” Gabe asked.
“I mean, I knew they were coming but it’s different, seeing them in person.” My heart threatened to burst out of my chest. Gabe unlocked the doors, and I threw mine open, stepping out into Ate’s embrace. “I can’t believe you guys are here! Finally!”
“It’s so good to see you again, Lu,” she said, squeezing me tight.
