Emily and Joshua exchange a laugh that feels like a private joke. Bon leans into Ryan’s side, stealing a sip from his drink. Even Haley, who insists she’s ‘too busy for love,’ seems lighter tonight.
And me? I’m on the outside looking in.
The truth is, I like my bubble—the world I’ve created for myself. It’s safe, predictable, heartbreak-free. But tonight, surrounded by love and laughter, I can’t help but wonder if it’s enough.
What would it feel like to step out of the shadows and into the story?
Richard’s voice cuts through my thoughts. I guess they’re not yet done convincing me. “Come on, Kate,” he groans. “At least pretend to care! For Michael Lee, the savior of our country!”
“He’s just a guy throwing a ball into a hoop, Richard.”
“He’s a hero,” Richard corrects. “And maybe if you actually watched, you’d get it.”
“I’m pretty sure the captain of the national basketball team doesn’t care if I watch him or not,” I reply.
“Of course he does, he cares about everyone!” Richard replies.
With that absurd remark, I shake my head and flip another page, returning to my earlier thoughts about love. And as I glance at Bon and Emily, I realize that just because I want to be in love, doesn’t mean that I’m ready for that.
As Michael Lee scores another point that warrants loud cheers from the living room, I can’t help but wonder that maybe love is for other people, not me.
Maybe I’m meant to be the fun friend that throws a cute little one-liner every now and then.
Maybe I’m only meant to read about it in these books.
Or maybe… I just haven’t met him yet.
