Page 197 of Dear #47, You're the Worst
“Some people said I’d never change to begin with.” I shrug. “What people think is beyond my control. I can only control my actions going forward. And going forward, I’m going to keep working on myself, keep being the teammate and partner I want to be, and keep protecting the people I love when necessary.”
“Even if it costs you?”
I bob my head. “Yeah, man. Especially then.”
Juliet smiles at me, her gorgeous chocolate eyes telling me every single thing she feels. God, I’m lucky that I get to take her home, real fiancée or not.
Later, back at the apartment, Juliet is curled up on the couch with her laptop when I find her.
“Working?” I ask, settling beside her.
“Reading coverage of your interview. You did well.”
“I told the truth.” I shrug my shoulders.
“That’s what made it good.” She hesitates, then closes her laptop and turns to face me. “Can I ask you something?”
“Always, baby.”
She smiles, then schools her expression. “Are you happy? Thrilled?”
The question catches me off guard. “Why do you ask?”
“Because a few months ago, you looked like you were angry at the world all the time. And tonight, even after everything with Patrick and the suspension, you looked like you belonged out there. It seems like you were exactly where you were supposed to be.”
I think about it for a moment. “Yeah. I think I am happy. For the first time in a long time.”
“Good. You deserve to be happy.”
“So do you.”
“I am happy. Scared sometimes, but happy.”
“What scares you?”
“This. Us. How much I want it to work.” She pauses. “What if we mess this up?”
“Then we mess it up together. But we won’t.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because we’ve already been through the worst parts. We’ve seen each other at the messiest, most broken, most terrified. And we’re still here.”
I pull her closer until she’s curled against my side.
“We’re not perfect, Juliet. We’re never going to be perfect. But we’re real. We’re honest with each other. We fight for each other. That’s enough.”
“Is it?”
“For me, it is.”
She’s quiet for a long moment. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I know there is more that she wants to say. I can read it on her face.
“What?” I nudge her gently.
