Page 49 of Wrong For Me

Going to graduate school, becoming a psychologist—that’s always been the goal. That’s always been my identity. I’m the studious, book-nerd of the Ransome family. The girl who’s going to make everyone proud by getting her doctorate.

I don’t want him to realize how much of a fraud I feel like.

“I need to get going,” I tell my cousin, managing a weak smile.

He grabs my elbow as I rise from the couch. “Rose.” His voice carries concern, and his eyes are doing that searching thing again. “You know we can talk about this anytime, right?”

I force a laugh. “Look at you. A few months ago, you would have rather chewed glass than talk about messy feelings. That girlfriend of yours really did a number on you, didn’t she?”

He laughs, but I can see the way his eyes soften at the mention of his girl. He truly loves Eva. And I’m happy for him, of course. But it hurts a little, too. Knowing that I’ve never experienced something like that before. Wondering if I ever will.

“I mean it,” he presses. “We can talk. Any time.”

“I know, Will,” I tell him.

But it’s a lie—I have no intention of telling my best friend how screwed up I really feel.