Page 93 of Where the Night Ends

I don’t know if it was necessarilyright.I mean, it sure as hell doesn’t feel right, but I do agree with Court when she says that there’s nothing good that could have come from me going to him.

“I mean, think about it, Tess,” she continues. “Even if things were to go the way you wanted and you two would’ve ended up hanging out, where would that have left you tomorrow? Or the next day? Or the next? You’ve fought so hard to find your place without him.”

“I know. I know.” I let out an audible sigh, wishing the heaviness in my chest would lift so I could breathe without feeling like there’s a thousand pounds weighing me down.

“Look, you’re home right now, in the place where nearly every memory you have together is tied to. It’s only natural that it feels harder when you’re there. And then there’s knowing that he’s in town, too. Just know that if you go to him, you’ll hate yourself for it tomorrow, and you know I’m right.”

“You just love saying you’re right.” I chuckle, finally letting go of some of the tension winding tightly inside of me.

“Lord knows I don’t get to say it nearly enough,” she quips. “Just hang tight. You got two days with your mom and then you’ll have my ass to distract you. And you know how good I am at that,” she promises mischievously.

“I don’t know if I’m down for your idea of distraction,” I object. “But I really can’t wait to see you.”

“Me too. Don’t forget you’re picking me up from the airport at…”

“8 a.m,” I cut her off. “Yes, I know.”

“Don’t be late, bitch,” she teases.

“Late is not in my vocabulary,” I spit back.

“I’ll see you then,” she says before quickly adding, “but if you need me between now and then just call me. Don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

“You have my word.”

“Love you, Tess.”

“Love you, too.” I smile before ending the call just as I pull up outside of my mom’s house.

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