Beautifully Broken

“Kitty, are you sure about this?”

I furrow my brows. “About going to school?”

She chews on her lip. “No…about not telling Mr. Cooper, er, Gavin about where you’re going to school. Do you really want him to think you’re three thousand miles away when you’re really living on the same bay? What are you going to do if you run into him?”

I’ll admit; it’s not the first time I’ve considered the possibility.

“The odds of that happening are highly unlikely, Bree. There are too many people in and around the city. If it does happen, I’ll deal with it then.”

She sighs. “I don’t know, Kat. I’m worried you’re going to regret this.”

“It’s the right decision, Bree.” It’s my turn to sigh. “As much as it hurts now, I’m not going to regret making it.”

“I just hate seeing you like this,” she says sadly.

I shrug. “It won’t always be this way.”

“Soooo….whatcha’ doing with your furniture?”

I’m thankful for her not-so-subtle change in subject. “I’m donating it. Someone from the thrift store is coming to pick it up in the morning.”

“So yo

u’re all ready to go then?”

“Yep,” I confirm. “I’m heading out first thing in the morning. The landlord will let the Salvation Army guys in.”

She throws her arms around me. “You’re such a good person, Kat. Not many people would be so noble in this situation.”

I squeeze her tighter. “Wow, I don’t know if anyone’s ever described me using that word.”

She pulls back and gives me a wry look. “Well, that’s because most people are judgmental assholes. But the people who know you, know better.”

“It’s going to be a long month without you.” I blink back tears. “Hurry up and get your sweet ass down there.”

She laughs. “We’re going to have the best college experience ever, Kat. I promise.”

I sure hope so.

Four Years Later

I CAN’T BELIEVE THE WEDDING is in a few days!” Bree exclaims. “It’s crazy how fast time flies.”

It sure is. In some ways, it seems like these past four years have passed at the speed of light. But in others, mostly when I have time to myself to think, the day seems to drag on and on. Thankfully, I never have too much down time. My classes keep me insanely busy, especially since I chose to major in education. It still boggles my mind that I’m going to be a teacher. After two more years in grad school, I’ll officially be certified for secondary ed. I chose an English/Lit specialty because my love for the written word is stronger than ever. I hope I can inspire others to appreciate the value of getting lost in a story—just like the man who inspired me to teach.

I file the catering contract in the wedding organizer. “Are you still riding with me to pick up the dresses on Friday?”

“Of course. Am I still the DD for your big birthday blowout tonight?”

I groan. “Bree, please tell me you’re not making a big deal of this. I told you I just wanted a quiet dinner with my bestie.”

“Ha! Like that’s going to happen!” she laughs. “Dylan and Rae flew in early so we could celebrate your birthday before the wedding. We have to go somewhere fun.”

Dammit! I thought I actually had a shot at bypassing a party with all of the last minute things that needed to be done for the wedding. My partying days are long over—the desire to numb myself with boys and booze disappeared at the ripe old age of eighteen. I can’t say I haven’t had drinks during my college years, or men in my life for that matter, but it’s not the same as it used to be. I don’t drink to forget and I haven’t slept with anyone I wasn’t seriously dating. All two of them.

I flop my head onto the table dramatically. “What are my chances of getting out of this?”

“Zero to none,” she replies. “C’mon, Kat. It won’t be that bad. Evan reserved a VIP room at Obsidian. It’s just a small group of friends and their lov-ahs—nothing more.”