Page 136 of Less
“What?”
“Because, Amanda, he wasn't doing it for praise.”
My throat tightens.
No. He wasn't.
That's just who he is.
Protective.
Steady.
Loving.
Terrifyingly devoted.
“Leandra, I just don’t know.”
She softens immediately.
“What scares you, Sweetheart?”
The tears come out of nowhere.
“We were together once, and he just—he just left.”
Her expression gentles.
“Ah.”
“But he says he won't again.”
“And do you believe him?”
“I want to.”
And I realize for the first time that I really do want to.
“Then what's stopping you?”
I laugh shakily.
“Self-preservation?”
She smiles sadly.
“Understandable.”
“Three years is a long time.”
“Yes.”
“And he broke my heart.”
“Yes.”
“But he also came back, and he told me why he left,” I whisper.
