Page 63 of Midnights
I stare at her for a beat.
Then I deadpan, “You’re so full of shit.”
With a sigh, I place a hand on her arm, squeezing gently. “For what it's worth? You don’t have to decide anything right now. Just… do what’s best for you, not what anyone else expects. And don’t waste your time feeling guilty about it.”
I get it. I really do.
I was stuck in my own hell for years before the universe practically had to drag me out of it. And once I was finally free, I could breathe again. I saw things for what they really were, not the watered-down version I convinced myself was okay.
I hate seeing her go through the same thing.
“I just don’t want you to waste your time on someone who’s never going to give you what you deserve.” I pause, letting the words settle. “Whether Cam’s in the picture or not.”
Rachel’s expression shifts and I can see her defenses deflate a little. “I know you’re right. I do.” She swallows hard. “But it’s… hard. And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm scared.”
Her voice drops, quieter now. “What if things end badly? What if someone gets hurt because I walk away? I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. And what if I leave Bobby and still end up with nothing?” She hesitates. “We still have good days, ya know?”
I do know.
I lived in that limbo for too long, clinging to the good days, pretending they outweighed the bad. Pretending it was worth staying. It never was.
“Yeah, I get it.”
She looks relieved, like she expected me to push harder, but I know better. You don’t walk away until you’re ready and no one can make that choice for you.
I give her a small, knowing smile. “I feel the same about Kane.”
Rachel’s head whips toward me so fast, I think she might get whiplash.
“Oh, we’re talking about Kane now?” She smirks.
I roll my eyes. “I just mean… I really enjoy being friends with him. He’s obviously hot and fun, but at the same time, I promised myself I wouldn’t date anyone. I didn’t come here to find a man. I came to spend time with my best friend, explore the countryside, and to find out whatever I can about my family.”
Rachel nods, watching me closely.
Then, like a switch flipping, she grins. “So… let’s go out tonight. No boys, no complications. Just fun.”
“What are you thinking?”
Rachel’s smile turns downright wicked. “Let’s just say… I know a place.”
I grab my phone and type out a text to Kane to thank him, before I forget. I know once we go out, I won't be worried about my phone.
Me: Heyyy. Thanks for the tour, I had a lot of fun! Even though you made me eat haggis. I’m still a little sweaty just thinking about it.
I see the dots pop up, only for them to disappear. Just as I'm about to put my phone down, his reply comes through.
Kane: You’re welcome. I knew you’d like it. But I also wouldn’t make you eat something that was gross… I'm a little wounded.
I roll my eyes, biting back a smile. Wounded? Please.
Me: Do your feelings always get hurt so easily? I think there’s something that should be able to fix that.
His reply comes through almost immediately.
Kane: I thought I smelled something funny at dinner. You might want to shower before you decide to do anything else. … & enlighten me, what could fix me, Princess?
My mouth drops open. RUDE.
