Page 80 of Falling in Between

“‘I’m not so vain to think this couldn’t end, but I’m hopeless enough to believe that it won’t.’ Charlie, I can’t. I’m ready to get on my knee and propose to theman.”

“Steph…”

She holds both sides of her head like she’s trying to keep it from exploding. “He offered to take you with him!” she practically shouts. “You know you only live one time,right?”

“Steph, I’d be giving up my job. My apartment. I already moved halfway across the country once for a man—I was just lucky enough you came with me. And now I’m supposed to move halfway across the world? Shouldn’t I have learned mylesson?”

“Yeah, that you shouldn’t give up jack-shit for a man who doesn’t love you.” She shakes her head. “That man”—she thumbs toward the door—“loves you. You feel that; I know you do or you wouldn’t have been sobbing on myshoulder.”

“But what if I’m wrong? What if this is only something that’s right for rightnow?”

“So what?” She tosses her hands in the air. “If you’re trying to avoid getting hurt, I hate to break it to you—but you let him leave, and you’re going to feel like a part of you died. For once in your life, do something that scares the shit out of you.” Steph grabs her purse along with her tub of icecream.

“Where are yougoing?”

“I’m leaving so you can pack your shit and tell him you’ll see him tomorrow.” Steph cocks a sharp brow on a smirk. “I’ve known you for thirteen years. That man makes you giddy. He makes you happy. Why in the hell would you deny yourself that, even if it’s only for a few more weeks ormonths?”

The door closes behind her, and I sink onto the couch, staring at theclock.

I have twelvehours.