Page 75 of Falling Like This

I have no idea what will happen.

All I know is one thing, maybe the most important thing I’ve ever known.

I love Aaron, and he loves me.

Aaron

I’m right here and you’re still with someone else. How would we ever get married if you’re with someone else?

Rae’s words have been ringing in my ears since she said them this afternoon. As soon as I awkwardly left, I went straight to Caity’s and broke up with her. She wasn’t upset when I ended things. She’d been thinking of doing the same since Aiden is single now, too. Both of us were using each other as a stupid distraction.

“I told Rae I’m in love with her,” I croak, walking into Joel’s bedroom. It’s been hours and I’m still wrapping my head around all of this.

He jumps off the bed and stares at me, eyes wild. “You did what? I mean, it’s about fucking time. But what did you say? What did she say? Why do you look like a zombie? Did you break up with Caity?”

I hold my hand up. “Yes. I broke up with Caity. As soon as Rae said…”

“What?”

“She didn’tsay it, but she said it. She’s in love with me. And I basically said it back to her. We didn’t use the actual words, but—it’s clear now. I—you were right. I’m a fucking idiot.”

Because I could’ve had her all this time.

“Technically, those were Miles’s words, but, yeah, you are. I told you she was—”

“Thank you for that.”

“So, what are you going to do now? Did you tell her you broke up with Caity?”

I shake my head. “No. I need to get my head on straight. I want to do this right.”

I didn’t think it would take seven months to ask her out, but life doesn’t always go how we want it to. These last few months have been messed up, and I want to get back to us before I cross the line with her. I want both of us to be completely ready. Most importantly, I’m ready to reconnect with her.

Joel nods. “I get that, but don’t wait too long. I’ve learned the hard way. When you two don’t deal with shit, it ends up a dumpster fire.”

I glare at him.

He holds his hands up. “Just saying. For what it’s worth, I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. Okay, appreciate you letting me throw all that at you. I’m going to go home and rest. Think. Plan.”

He smiles at that. “Good. I’ll see you Monday, unless you need me before then.”

“Of course. Who else would knock me down several pegs? I’ll talk to you later.”

He laughs and waves as I leave.

When I get home, I collapse in bed, worn out from this day. So much has happened. And everything has changed. I finally feel like Rae and I are on the right track, even if we haven’t explicitly talked about it.

But I’m scared. I’m so goddamn scared. After everything we’ve been through, getting a crash course in what it’s like to be disconnected from your best friend, I’m more afraid than ever to lose her. But I also know if we keep going like this, that’s a risk no matter what. I’m going to take this one step at a time.

First thing first, I’m going to enjoy beingusagain.

I’m going to flirt with her.

Blur those lines.

Come up with a plan.

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