Page 289 of No Need to Run

---

The one who just held me while I broke.

I’ve always been the one to hold her.

Squaring my shoulders, I nod.

My control returns, piece by piece. Breath by breath.

I lift my chin.That’s better.That’s who I am.

Not the girl crying along the street.

Not the one waiting for someone to choose her.

My nails dig into my palms.

Drew is different. He always has been.

He didn’t look at me like I was something to fix. Or something to use.

He looked at me like I mattered. Even when he didn’t know me.

“He just needs time,” I murmur.

Callie sits there, silently watching me.

A slow breath leaves me. “He'll come back.”

Even though my heart is broken, I don't believe that's how our story ends.

I can’t.

I wipe the last of the tears from my face and give Callie a smile. “Let’s go inside.”

She doesn’t move.

I grab the door handle and start to push it open, but she stops me.

“This isn’t over. You and Drew...” she stares at me intently. “Not even close.”

I stare at her, drawing courage from the confidence in her eyes.

I nod, giving her the first real smile since she picked me up.

I didn’t survive just to lose him now.

60

VIOLET

I kickoff my shoes by the door.

For a moment, I just stand by the entryway table, unmoving.

“Violet?” Callie says softly behind me.

“I’m okay,” I automatically say.

I step further into the house.

---