Page 40 of Game Plan

Luciana let out a heartfelt laugh. “That’s good. Nothing wrong about choosing the right outfit as long as it doesn’t turn into an obsession either.”

“It didn’t.”

“Awesome. It seems to me like you’re doing great on that front.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you proud of yourself?”

I smiled. “Yes. Very.”

“I hope so because I am proud of you. Keep up the good work.” She turned to face Samuel. “How about you? How was your last week?”

Meghan took a seat on my right and offered me a timid smile that I returned.

Maybe I had more reasons to be proud of myself these days than I gave myself credit for. The realization weaved its way to my heart.

My parents would be proud too if they were here. I really was doing better.

For a tiny second, my thoughts drifted to Mason and Paige. They would also be proud if they could see me right now. I wished I had never relapsed last year and that our friendship was still the highlight of my days. Because, right now, I missed what we used to be.

Did I have to go through hell to find my way back? I hoped the answer was yes because otherwise our falling-out would have been for nothing.

13

You should be thankful and reel in your claws

“Hey you,” Jett said as I met him in the parking lot of my dorm building on Thursday night. He leaned in to kiss my cheek. “You look great.”

Tonight, I had opted for a cobalt-blue dress with tan ankle boots and a jeans jacket. Chic enough, but not too chic. My hair was loose and curled into soft waves.

“Thanks,” I said, wondering if my face was beet red now.

Always a gentleman, Jett opened the door for me to slide into his car just like he had done on our first date. “You still okay about going to Henri’s?”

I toyed with the ring around my middle finger. “Sure.”

We remained silent for some time. Jett’s attention was focused on the road while I watched the scenery through the passenger window.

The weird feeling that had invaded me after we exchanged text messages a few days ago still made me feel queasy. I had no clue why, but a part of me somehow believed tonight’s date wasn’t a good idea. I hadn’t canceled because it sounded silly when I thought about it. It was just a hunch. I had no words to describe the feeling tightening my insides.

The atmosphere in the car wasn’t as easy as the last time we rode together. We were both lost in our own heads, and the stretches of silence felt long and heavy.

“Did Jules tell you about that designated driver service she’s putting together?” he asked after another minute.

“Yes. It’s pretty incredible.” Finally, a topic that would help break the awkward silence we’d been experiencing so far.

“After the accident, she was so depressed. For a while, my parents thought she might end her own life… All her dreams crushed… She had worked so hard to get where she was…” Emotions coated each one of his words.

I reached across the console to squeeze his forearm, not sure what to say, but hoping the small gesture would translate my thoughts.

“Then, one day, it all changed. She said her accident wouldn’t be in vain. She created her first support group and found a new meaning in her life. She discovered her purpose. I’m glad that the world gets to experience firsthand how fantastic and driven she is. It will be a better place because of her.”

“She’s quite exceptional. Is that why you chose medicine? To help people like your sister?”

“In a way. I wanna specialize in plastic surgery. The doctor who did work on Jules’s face after the accident was a magician. I wish I could give back to other people whose bodies have been affected by an accident or a medical condition.”

“I think it’s very noble of you, and I can tell Jules is proud of you. You two are quite a pair.”