More Than I Could (86)

Calista: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE.





Me: Don’t shout. It’s late.





Calista: Very funny. But I mean it. Remember who you are.





Me: <thinking emoji> What’s that supposed to mean?





Calista: It means that you are beautiful and intelligent, and kind. And if he wants to treat you like anything other than that, fuck him.





I chuckle. I did that. Hence, my predicament.



Calista: You like him, huh?





I pause, hoping I can honestly tell her that I don’t like him as much as I thought I did. Finally, I frown.



Me: Yeah. I thought I was falling for him. I actually thought that maybe this whole thing was some kind of kismet. That the universe was paying me back for some good deed I did in another life. But I was wrong. He turned out to be another frog and not Prince Charming.





Calista: That’s what men do. They trick you. And here’s another thing men do—they say shit they don’t mean. Don’t be surprised if he wakes up and regrets it all.





Me: I say shit I don’t mean. I understand how that works. But he basically said I don’t fit here, and that was … cold.





Calista: Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. You thought he was a good guy up until now. You’re a good judge of character. Maybe he had a bad day and spouted off some shit. Or maybe he got scared. He’s not as badass as we are.





Me: <muscle emoji>





Calista: <heart emoji> What are your plans? Are you sticking around there or going home?





I’m not sure.

My gaze drifts through the window and into the dark sky. I consider my options. None of them feel right.



Me: I’m going to see what tomorrow brings.





Calista: Remember that you’re Megan Kramer. Don’t take any shit. I don’t care how good his cock is.





Me: <hiding face emoji>





Calista: <laughing emoji>





Me: I’ll keep you posted. Good night.





Calista: Love you. Night.





I put my phone back on the nightstand, cut the light, and start counting sheep.





Chapter Thirty-Three





Megan




I wrap an elastic around my hair at the crown of my head. Turning my head side to side, I check out my reflection in the mirror.

Not bad. You almost can’t tell I cried off and on all night.

Just to be sure, I add another layer of mascara.

I shove my stuff back in my makeup bag and carry it to my room. I toss it in my open suitcase that holds most of my things. Preemptively, I gathered my belongings at five o’clock. It kept me from pacing the floor.

This morning brought clarity I wasn’t expecting. Of course, it might’ve had something to do with Calista’s shouty texts, but I won’t admit that to her.

“If Chase wants to be a dick, he can be a dick.” I slip on my sneakers. “But I’m here until Maggie gets back. Then I’ll go.”

I slide my phone into my pocket as I leave my room.

“Morning,” Kennedy says, coming out of her room too.

I stop in front of her. “Hey. Good morning. How do you feel today?”

“Okay.” She smiles. “Dad apologized last night and let me explain things. We had a long talk that’s not so normal for us. But it was good.”

How lovely for you. “I’m happy he did that.”

“Me too.” She jams a thumb toward the bathroom. “I’m gonna wash my face and stuff. Gram is coming by to get me in a little bit. She needs me to help her get their stuff put away.”

She’s back. I lift my chin, steeling myself to the possibility of going home today.

“I’m gonna grab a coffee,” I say.

She nods and moves on down the hall.

I take the steps at a quick pace and round the corner to the kitchen. My feet falter when I spot Chase at the sink, but I keep going. Remember who I am … not a woman who just fell in love with you, and you tried to break her heart.

He glances at me over his shoulder but returns to the dishes. I consider saying good morning, but he didn’t bother, so I don’t either.

“Do you want to stay here, or do you want to go home?”

That remains to be seen.

“Good morning,” Maggie sings as she comes in the door. Her cheeks are rosy. “How are you kids?”

“Hey, Mama,” Chase says, kissing her cheek.

“Hi, Chase.” She air kisses him back. “How are you, Megan? Did you have a good time with Kennedy?” She walks to the hallway and shouts, “Ken, I’m here!”

“I had a great time,” I say, popping a coffee pod into the machine and shoving a mug under it. I press the magic button. “Kennedy was a lot of fun.”

Maggie looks at Chase out of the corner of her eye, then switches her attention back to me.