It means a lot to hear that coming from my brother, especially when I know he wasn’t the happiest with my decision to skip college for a year.
“By the way,” I begin hesitantly, “I’m starting college in the fall at the University of Utah.”
Sage’s lips part, his eyes lighting up. “What?”
“I still don’t know what I want to do,” I admit reluctantly, “but I’ll figure it out. I needed this time, though, after everything.”
He stares at me, searching for something in my eyes, but I don’t know what. After at least a minute, his voice thick, he says, “Mom would be so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
I feel my throat clog with emotion. “You think?”
“I know.”
I let out a shaky breath. “I wish she was here.”
“Me too.”
But she’s not. Life goes on. The world keeps spinning.
It’s time for me to move with it.
Chapter Seventy-Five
“We should go out for New Year’s Eve.”
I turn at the sound of Ansel’s voice where he sits by the window sketching. The apartment is full of his sketches and paintings. He’s actually been able to sell some recently.
“Where are you thinking?”
“Maybe get dinner and visit the Eiffel Tower?”
“That sounds good … there’s something I need to tell you.”
At my suddenly serious tone, he sets his sketchpad down, swinging his legs out of the window seat.
“Is something wrong?” His true concern for me warms my heart. He sits down by me on the couch, stretching his arm along the back.
“No.” I reach for his fingers, playing with them between mine. “I’ve been thinking about this since Sage was here…” I trail off, nervous to tell him I’ve decided to go back to the States.
“You’re ready to go home.” It’s a statement, not a question.
“Yeah.” I exhale a heavy breath I didn’t realize I was holding in. “It’s time. There are things I need to do, more ways I need to better myself, and I have to do that there.”
“I understand.”
“Are you coming with me?”
A small smile tugs his lips and he looks at our fingers wrapped together. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about too, Meadows. This city is where I belong. It feels like home. I’m going to get a job and stay here.”
I smile back. “Look at us making grown up decisions.”
“I’m going to miss you, Meadows.”
My throat closes up. “I’m not even gone yet and I already don’t want to leave you. I…” Biting down on my lip, I squeeze his hand. “I can’t thank you enough for coming on this journey with me. I was set on doing this on my own, but it was so much better with you by my side. I will never ever forget this time.”
“Fuck, Meadows, it sounds like you’re saying goodbye forever. We’ll see each other again. You can’t get rid of me this easily.”
“I love you.” I throw my arms around him, hugging him tight.