She shakes her head. “You’re not,” she whispers, rubbing her thumb along my jaw. “You’re doing your absolute best, and it’s more than enough. I’m in awe of you, so proud of you because you chose you instead of what everyone expected you to do.”
I lean in, pressing my forehead to hers. She closes her eyes as I do, and we lie like that for a moment until she whispers, “I watched my sister fight for her life. The only time I wasn’t with her was when I was in the gym. We had no money because she couldn’t work, but thankfully, her best friend helped, and my gym let me train for free because I needed it. When I wouldn’t get a skill or I’d have a bad gym day, I would tear myself apart and hate myself. I told Aviva that one time, and she grabbed my face, hard, looked me in the eye, and told me something I’ll never forget. The only thing you can change is your mind-set. Can’t change the universe and how it is constantly trying to fuck you. But you can change how you view it, how you allow it to make you feel. You are in control of your mind-set.”
Emotion slams into me as her lips move ever so much closer to mine.
“I have held those words so close to my heart. And on the toughest of days, I remember them and try so hard to use them as a guide. I know it’s easier said than done, but I want you to know, for me, I’m amazed by you. Proud of you.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, holding her tighter to me. My heart is slamming into my ribs, and I feel her words everywhere. I know my dad—hell, even Mom and Owen—has said all the same things, but it seems different from Callie. She doesn’t have to love me like they do, yet she cares enough to say all these things, and I truly believe she’s being genuine about it. “I’m sorry you’ve been through hell.”
“I’m sorry you have, too.”
I open my eyes to find her smiling at me.
“The cool thing is, we don’t have to be in hell anymore. We are the authors of our stories. So pick up the pen and write how incredible you are. Stop listening to your anxiety. Easier said than done, I know, but try. And Evan, baby, write your future because I think it could be something pretty amazing.”
I know she just said so many beautiful and truthful things, but I’m hung up on one word—baby. It means something completely different coming from her lips, and I find myself overwhelmed by the pure tenderness in the word.
“And know that I’m cheering you on.”
I can’t stop my small smile as emotion floods me. “Thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me, Evan. I mean every word I say.” She smiles, leaning in, waiting for my reaction before she goes in for the kiss. My eyes fall shut as our lips press together in an embrace that rattles me to my core. When she pulls back, she moves one of my stray pieces of hair to the side and smiles. “Are you feeling better?”
I nod. “I was the moment I saw you at my front door.”
She beams. “Do you think your mom thinks I’m crazy for coming here? I was just going to call, but I was so worried, I came instead.”
“Not at all. If anything, she’ll appreciate how much you care.”
She brushes her fingers along my cheek. “I kept checking my phone for something from you. I almost even checked the sky for a smoke signal.”
I smile, stroking my hand along her back. “Yeah, I don’t know how I let you go without getting your number.”
“A lot was going on.”
“I know, but you best believe, you aren’t going anywhere without giving it to me this time.”
She grins. “Maybe I won’t, so I don’t have to leave.”
I grin back at her. “I’d love that, but I think I need to apologize. I feel like I’ve dropped the ball left and right with you.”
She shrugs. “Just adds some drama to our story.”
We share another smile, and I ask, “Can I take you out this weekend? On a real date.”
“I’d love that.”
I lean in, kissing her top lip. “Me too.” She kisses me back, and against her lips, I ask, “When do you need to leave?”
She shrugs. “Curfew is eleven, but I don’t care.”
“I don’t want you getting in trouble.”
“I don’t want to leave.”
“I know, but you have a meet tomorrow,” I remind her, but I really don’t think she cares. She cuddles deeper into me, and I wrap my arms tighter around her. “Want me to ride back with you? I can have Owen follow with my car to bring me home.”
She nuzzles her nose into my neck but doesn’t answer me right away. Instead, she says, “Guess what.”
“What?”
“I’m asking Nico to be my dad tomorrow.”
I grin against her temple. “You love him a lot.”
“So much,” she says, holding me tight. “I’m really excited. I know he’ll say yes to adopting me, but I’m still nervous.”
“Don’t be. It’s gonna go smoothly.”