Contact deleted.
Next, I open my social media apps. Without hesitation, I archive or delete the old posts with Milo. As each one disappears, I feel lighter.
My gaze drifts to the suitcase by the door, packed and ready for a new adventure. For the first time in a long time, I'm not afraid of the unknown. I'm ready for it. Ready for whatever comes next.
A soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. "Darcy?" Cody's voice calls out. "Are you ready? We need to leave for the airport soon."
"Coming!" I call back, a smile spreading across my face. I take one last look in the mirror, straightening my shoulders.
"I'm ready," I say to my reflection, and I mean it in every possible way.
I really thought breakingthe news to Maya would be more difficult than it was, but it almost seemed like she was expecting it. After all, she’s been telling me for years to get out and live a little. She says I never take any risks.
Well, this is definitely a risk.
“Okay, so I’ll start packing up your stuff in your apartment. That way, all you’ll have to do is sign the paperwork once you come back to get everything,” Maya tells me in the car on the way to the airport. She’s in the middle of the backseat, head sticking up into the front seat where Cody is driving and I’m riding in the passenger’s seat. “And I’ll run by the office to get your last paycheck for you. And I’ll make sure to steal your broom back from that bitch in the apartment above yours.”
I laugh at my goofy best friend. She certainly knows how to make a bittersweet situation feel a lot less bitter.
“I’ll miss you,” I tell her.
Her eyes soften, and she takes my hand, squeezing it tightly.
“I’ll miss you more. But don’t worry, I’ll come visit super soon, and I will send you a selfie at least once every five minutes. Just so you don’t forget what I look like.”
I laugh. “As if I could ever.”
Maya and I share a look for a moment before she gives her attention to her older brother. “And you,Mr. Lover Man. You’re going to take care of my best friend, aren’t you? No funny business.”
Cody gives a solid nod, but I can see the amused smile twitching at his lips. “Yes, of course. My top priority will be making sure my beautiful princess is properly cared for. If I don’t, feel free to execute me in the square.”
Maya rolls her eyes. “You are so dramatic.”
Cody and I exchange an amused look as he pulls into the airport drop-off lane. He puts the car into park, and the three of us climb out. He gives me an understanding nod as he goes around to retrieve the bags, giving Maya and me a moment alone.
“Will you be okay?” I ask, my voice beginning to tremble, which sets Maya off even worse. She lets out a quiet sob and nods.
“I’ll be fine, babe. I’ll miss you to death, though.”
I nod. “Same here. I never thought I would have to know what it feels like to not see you every day.”
“Yeah…” Maya agrees with a sad smile. She takes both of my hands in hers and squeezes tightly. “This is good, though. Really good. I’m so proud of you, Darcy. I mean, my God, look how much you’ve grown in a week. This is fucking incredible. You’re so brave.”
I scoff. “Brave? Please?—”
“I’m serious!” she exclaims. “Never in a million years could I do this. You’re fucking incredible, D.”
I shake my head and start to argue, but before I can respond, a truck pulls up, absolutely blaring its horn. I notice that it’s a truck with the resort logo on the side, which makes perfect sense when the driver gets out, and it turns out to be Louis. Maya’s face immediately lights up like a firework show.
“Louis!” she cries happily, squealing when he runs over and gathers her into his arms, picking her up and swinging her around as she giggles.
“I can’t believe you were going to leave without saying goodbye,” he gently scolds her, setting her back down on the floor and gazing down into her eyes with the kind of adoration that makes me believe in true love again.
“I thought it would be too hard,” Maya admits. “Saying goodbye is going to break my heart.”
“I know. Me too,” Louis agrees. “Which is why I’ve decided to come with you.”
“What?!” Maya, Cody, and I exclaim at the same time, with varying amounts of panic. Maya seems ecstatic, I’m in disbelief, and Cody is downright disgusted.
