Page 124 of Pick Me This Time

“You’re letting him go?” she asked after a brief pause. “That’s a surprise.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my throat sore after last night and all the crying I’d done this morning. “Why is it a surprise? We all knew he was leaving today.”

“Yeah, but I kind of thought one of you would change your minds.”

I sighed. “I wish, but no.”

“You’re really going to stay here when the only guy you’ve ever loved is in another city?” When she asked the question, it was like she’d pried open that part of me that contained all my hidden desires.

The answer to that question was simple. I couldn’t stay here when Sterling was in another city. I’d never wanted to leave Allisburg and I still didn’t, but I was willing to make sacrifices for him. At the very least, I was willing to give it a try.

“You’re right,” I said. “I can’t do it. I can’t let him go, but I also can’t ask him to stay. So I’m going.”

She shrieked. “I hate it, but I love you and I’m so excited for you. Let me know how it goes?”

“Of course.” My heart was hammering in my chest and my hands were shaking. I ended the call, opened up my web browser, and found a seat on the red-eye to New York tonight.

I held my breath as my finger hovered above the Book Now button. I closed my eyes and hit it. I’d never been in a city anywhere close to the size of New York and I had no idea what to expect, but if it allowed me to be with him, it would be worth it.

Now all I had to do was hope that he’d be happy when I showed up at his door.