Page 129 of The Fall Classic

Georgie

Cute, though.

Logan

You said “though,” which means you agree it was embarrassing. Someone’s being nasty.

Georgie

Ha! Sorry, Logan.

Logan

Don’t apologize. I like every version of you, definitely including Nasty Georgie.

Georgie

You’re silly.

Logan

You’re cute.

I’ve missed you. It’s been forever since I saw you.

Georgie

:) It’s only been four hours since brunch.

Logan

Like I said: forever.

See you soon.

I set down my phone, and my heart throws itself at the bars again.

Logan’s so open about how he feels. Am I trying to protect my heart from him, too?

Dad’s smiling face comes to mind, and I glance over to the photos on the walls Mom put up so many years ago: pictures of a smiling family that don’t tell the full story.

Yes, we were happy. Mom and I were our own unit, and when Dad was around, we welcomed him wholeheartedly.

But when he was gone, Mom didn’t miss a beat. I’m not sure she missed him, honestly. We didn’t talk about him except for when he called. It was “Ashman girls” time.

That’s when we made mugs and put up shelves in the store and taste-tested new menu items. Maybe she didn’t want me to miss him, but I’m afraid all she did was show me that she never really needed anyone else. No one needs anyone else.

Which is true.

Except when you pass out in public and need someone to drive you home.

Except when you forget to take care of yourself and need tamales and hot cocoa.

Except when you’ve been lonely for so long, you don’t know how to be anything but alone.

Except when your need to be loved eclipses your need for food and shelter and even air to breathe.

These are dangerous thoughts. You don’t want things, remember? You don’t wish or hope or dream. You accept what you have and move forward, and that’s how you protect your heart.