Whatever it is, I like it better than grief.
Knock, knock.
I glance over as the front door cracks open and Keysha steps inside.
She smirks. “You’re always dancing when I come over.”
“Better than crying,” I reply, shrugging.
Her smile falters. She leans against the kitchen counter, her eyes soft. “I know everything sucks right now, but maybe you can get a new job. Start saving. Build toward something.”
I nod, though my limbs feel heavy. “It’d be cool to be an EMT like you. Riding in ambulances. Helping people.”
Her eyes light up. She claps her hands. “Yes! It’s always exciting. Car crashes, falls, heart attacks... okay, lots of chest pain calls from old folks, but you never know what you’re gonna get.”
“Does it pay well?”
She shrugs. “Better than Nautical Treasures, for sure.”
I sigh. “But not enough to save the house, huh?”
She shakes her head, her new auburn wig swaying with the motion. “Training’s about five or six months. So yeah, probably not in time to save the mortgage. But...it’s a start. You could get a two-bedroom for you and Atticus down the line. Maybe in a couple years.”
A couple ofyears.
The words hit like a dull blade. That’s a long time to be away from Atticus. He hasn’t been happy in foster care. And when he turns eighteen, the group home lined up for him looked more like an institution than a place for someone like him.
But what other choice do I have?
“I’ll do it,” I murmur. “It’s better than working in a tourist shop forever.”
Keysha jumps up a little, clapping her hands again. “See? Something to look forward to!”
A real smile tugs at my lips. It feels unfamiliar. I let it grow.
Yeah. This is great.
I jump with her. For a second, I let myself feel good. Keysha’s the only person in my life who’s ever made me feel like I can move forward. I’m not stuck forever.
Except—
I shove the thought down. I can’t think about him right now. Every time I do, I spiral.
So I keep dancing.
“You really love dancing, huh?” she says with a grin.
“Yep.”
She leans in. “Wanna do something fun tonight?”
I’m mid-twirl, music blasting from my phone. I freeze and nod, eager.
“Ever been to a club?”
I shake my head.
A wicked smile graces her full, beautiful lips. “Oh, baby. It’s time to party. It’s time to celebrate your new future!”
