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I couldn’t The tears were back They prickled at the backs ofinto a puddle “I think we should back off for a bit”

“Because I found out you’re The Letter Girl?”

“You know that’s not why” I took a deep breath, breathing through h it burned

“Tellon”

I lickedreally fast and I think it would be best to chill out for a while”

“You’re breaking up with me” Hurt radiated from his voice

“I’m barely to a place where I can look at myself in the mirror and not want to wear a snowsuit I’ve hated , and I’ me—most of the time But what happened today…”

I shook ht noith people talking about the letters andhard on loving et there But I can’t do it under the searing spotlight at your side I can’t do it when I know people are constantly looking at you and back atwhy the hell you’re with me”

“Because you’re beautiful and sexy and kind and bake a killer cookie” He ducked his head to catch aze

Squeezing ers, I stared at the floor between us “I want to be strong enough for this, Berk I do But I’ this lasts reassuringthe sa”

“I don’t care what other people think”

“I know you don’t, but I’m not there yet”

“If you’re worried about other people around here,out with your s will blow over”

A hysterical laugh bubbled up fro pan into the fire Who do you think drus into my head for the past twenty-two years? Do you knohat it was like forup?”

He stared atother than a picture-perfect childhood shattered by the death of my father