Page 123 of Every Step She Takes
When Vera uploaded over five thousand photos to the tour group’s shared album, I spent hours clicking through every single one, searching for the candid shots of us: dancing in Âncora and Redondela, walking together along the Atlantic coast and through Galician countryside. Mal cutting my hair in Esposende and holding my hand while I got tattooed in A Guarda. The two of us sitting across from each other at every meal, sitting next to each other at every sharing circle. And I wept to see the expression on my face in those photos, so obviously and hopelessly in love with her.
Until one day, I could talk about what happened without crying at all. I could open the dating apps without feeling sick to my stomach, and I could watchProperty Brotherswithout missing her, and I could hear the ding of a WhatsApp notification without deluding myself into thinkingthatmessage would be the one where she admits she misses me too.
Last night, I ate pistachio ice cream on my date with Skye, and I didn’t feel heartbroken at all. One day I’ll be able to listen to Madonna without feeling heartbroken too. I’ll be able to look at the tattoo on my wrist or catch a glimpse of my short hair in a mirror and not feel Mal all over me.
“I am over Mal,” I try to convince my mom and Vi. I try to convincemyself.
Because I will be over her. Everyone gets over their first love eventually.
“In fact, we’ve been talking for the past several weeks, totally and completely as friends.”
“Oh, of fucking course you have!” Vi throws her arms in the air. “Fuckinglesbians!”
Sadie
As promised, here’s the link to my Etsy page
Please don’t feel obligated to buy something12:14 p.m.
Mal
I won’t buy something12:16 p.m.
Mal
I’ll buyeverything!12:16 p.m.
Sadie
Please don’t. This is my entire inventory and it took me three months to get here.12:17 p.m.
Mal
Okay, okay, I will try to show some restraint.12:17 p.m.
Mal
I’m watching Buying and Selling right now, and here’s what I want to know: where is this magical Property Brothers world where it’s somehow always both a buyers’ and sellers’ market?12:21 p.m.
Sadie
Calgary12:22 p.m.
Mal
Ah. So is that where I should buy a house?12:22 p.m.
Sadie
You’re buying a house??12:23 p.m.
Mal
Well, technically, I already own like 12 houses. But I’m thinking about actually living in one.12:24 p.m.
Sadie
Where???12:24 p.m.
