Page 113 of If the Stars Align

I take a deep breath as relief washes over me. I have a plan now. All I have to do is wait for his parents.

Not two minutes later, I’m blinded by headlights.

Mr. and Mrs. Dexter are back.

I stand, not bothering to wipe my tears. There’s no usepretending I’m not still hopelessly in love with their son. And if Dex has moved on, and he’s happy, they’ll let me know and spare me the heartache of hearing it from him.

The driver’s side door swings open.

But it’s not one of the elder Dexters getting out of the car.

It’s their son.

When I pull into my parents’ driveway and see Sunny sitting on the porch swing, I’m convinced I’m hallucinating.

Because it’s not the same Sunny I saw with Jeremy in Manhattan—straight-haired and whisper-thin.

This Sunny is radiant. Healthy, and glowing. Her long hair cascades past her shoulders in perfect ringlets. And she isn’t wearing couture, either. She’s in a simple yellow sundress that accentuates her curves.

Jesus.

I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my entire life.

But she can’t be real, right? Bright, beautiful Sunny in her yellow dress—just like the day I met her?

This must be a dream.

I step out of the car and she stands, her eyes wet with tears. She lifts her hand to her perfect pink lips, like she can’t believe she’s seeing me either.

I walk slowly up the steps, half-expecting her to disappear when I get closer,like a mirage.

But I’m standing in front of her, and she’s still here.

“Hi,” she says softly as a smile forms through her tears.

I sweep her cheek with my thumb.

She’s real.

“What happened?” I ask her. “Are you okay?”

She laughs, then cries.

I take her hand and we sit on the porch swing—just like we used to do when we were kids.

“I broke up with Jeremy,” she says, looking into my eyes.

I don’t hide my relief. I let out a breath it feels like I’ve been holding for the last three-and-a-half years—since Paris.

My reaction makes her cheeks flush pink as she smiles at me. She’s so goddamn gorgeous, it’s all I can do not to take her in my arms and kiss her.

But I don’t want to be presumptuous. She looks like she has more to say.

“I also quit my job. Quit mycareer, actually. I got into Northwestern’s MFA program. I’ll be starting in September.”

My eyes go wide. “Sunny, that’s incredible. I’m reallyproud of you.” I pause for several seconds, taking her in. “So…you’re happy? I mean, I did find you crying here…”

She giggles, then takes a deep breath. “It’s been a rough few years. I was miserable being a lawyer. I was miserable with Jeremy. I was so stressed, I could barely eat.”