Page 96 of Every Thought Taken

My phone buzzes in my pocket, snapping me out of my scrutinous stare out the store’s front window. Inhaling a cleansing breath, I shake away the negative thoughts and pull my phone from my pocket.

“Never let them knock you down. Never let them steal your joy,” I mutter. Life is too short to let someone else rule your happiness. Life is too short to waste time, always trying to please others. “You can’t please everyone.”

Unlocking my phone, I tap on the text notification from Lessa to the group.

Lessa

Is everyone cool with switching Friday night dinner to Saturday? We have birthdays to celebrate.

I roll my eyes at the screen. A party to celebrate me and Anderson.Ugh.Please let it only be just the group. The last thing I want is half the town tossing fake smiles at me like confetti to get juicy gossip.

My phone buzzes in my hand as message after message fills the screen.

Logan

Absolutely. Let’s fucking party ????

Mags

When was the last time we did something big for one of our birthdays? I say yes.

Geoff

I’m with Mags

Braydon

I go where you go, firecracker ??

My fingers hover over the keys as I fight every instinct to not say something unkind. Yes, the party will be for me, but it will also be for Anderson. Her message saidbirthdays. I don’t foresee Anderson turning her down. It’s his sister, and they haven’t spent a birthday together in almost a decade. But is he comfortable with a party? His answer is equally as important as my answer.

Another buzz and I blink down at the screen.

Anderson

If it’s small, you have my blessing.

Good.He and I are on the same wavelength.

I type out a quick response and tap send.

Helena

Just the Friday night dinner crew. Please.

It shouldn’t have to be said, but I hope the hint comes across in my message.No parents or other townies.

Lessa

Yay! Was thinking we could use JTM. Music, food, drinks. Still ironing out details.

Lessa

Is it alright if August and Sharon are there? Was thinking maybe they could cook and then stay as a thank you.

I love August. He reminds me of those ginormous stuffed bears at Costco during the holiday season. Warm and cuddly and huge in every sense of the word. When I think of August and Sharon, I think of my chosen family. Having them join us feels right.

Helena

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