Page 136 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

We talked some more. Lily told me about her new girlfriends, how much she loved her classes, and being at Penn State with Kaiden.

Although I was happy for her, I couldn’t stop the sting of jealousy. I wanted that. I wanted the fairy tale.

But all I’d gotten was a broken dream instead.

“Wait until you get to West Chester, Pops, you’ll love it.”

“I hope so.” I’d wanted to go there as long as I could remember. It wasn’t a big fancy school, but it had a great gymnastics program. I’d competed there once and fallen in love with it. The campus, the town, the whole vibe. Plus it was in-state, so I would still be close to home, and Lily which was a bonus.

“You have so much to look forward to,” she said. “This thing with Aaron will pass. You’ll get over it. Most people’s first love doesn’t end up being their forever love.”

“Don’t let Kaiden ever hear you say that.” I chuckled, but it was strained. Just like my heart. “Everyone knows the two of you are endgame,” I added.

“We’re very lucky,” she said. “And one day you will be too.”

I didn’t know about that.

But maybe if she believed it enough for the both of us, one day it would come true.

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