Page 140 of A Better Place

CHAPTER THIRTY

Carly

I’m in the bathroom putting the finishing touches on my makeup. It’s not that it matters. James tells me all the time that I don’t need it. That I look just as beautiful with sweat dripping down my face after working out as I do when I put makeup on. But it makes me feel beautiful. It’s no longer the mask that I once used makeup for. It’s no longer a way to hide. It’s a way to celebrate every part of me.

I’m swiping mascara on my eyes when I hear the doorbell ring. I furrow my brows, curious who it could be. Obviously, Jack would never ring the doorbell. James hasn’t rung the doorbell or knocked for weeks — especially since I gave him a key. I head to the door, fully intending on quickly dismissing whoever greets me so I can get over to James’s for dinner.

But when I open the door, what greets me is something I dreamed I’d never see again, but in my nightmares feared I would.

“Hi, angel.”

And with that one greeting, my heart stops beating, and my stomach drops.