Chapter 9 - WHEN EVERETT CAME CRAWLING BACK
Everett appeared at my parents' house on a Sunday afternoon.
He carried flowers.
White roses.
My favorite.
My mother opened the door.
Then called me.
“Maddie?”
I came downstairs.
Saw him.
And stopped.
Everett looked terrible.
Unshaven.
Exhausted.
Desperate.
“Madison.”
I folded my arms.
“What do you want?”
He swallowed.
“To apologize.”
I stared.
He continued.
“I made a terrible mistake.”
I laughed softly.
“One?”
He looked down.
“I know.”
He stepped closer.
“Camille and I are over.”
I went still.
“What?”
He nodded.
“She lied to me.”
I stared.
“About what?”
“The studio. The money. Everything.”
I shook my head.
“Everett, you lied to me.”
He closed his eyes.
“I know.”
He held out the flowers.
“I want another chance.”
For a moment, I remembered the man I'd loved.
The tacos after long shifts.
The road trips.
The laughter.
The plans.
Then I remembered the altar.
The money.
The photographs.
The lies.
I looked at him.
“No.”
His face crumpled.
“Maddie—”
“No.”
I took a breath.
“I loved you.”
Tears filled my eyes.
“I really did.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
“But I can't build a life with someone who only chooses me after another option disappears.”
Everett began crying.
“Please.”
I shook my head.
“I'm sorry.”
Then I stepped back.
And closed the door.
My mother found me standing in the hallway.
She touched my shoulder.
“You okay?”
I nodded.
Then began crying.
She hugged me.
And I realized something.
May you like
Saying no to Everett still hurt.
But it no longer felt wrong.
