Break my heart, twice

earlier, asking her to meet here, knowing it would be easier to talk things through in a neutral space, away from distractions. Not only that, it was the place wher

ow to begin-there were so many things she wished she'd said earlier, so many apologies left unspoken, but it was time. When she reached the table, she hesitated just for a mo

gered in the motion, her fingers brushing the back of the chair as if she were giving herself a moment to steady herself.Natalie quickly

around her, all the tightness in her chest seemed to loosen. It was as if the weight that had been pressing down

comfort than Kristen could have imagined. She could feel the steady beat of Natalie's heart,

murmured into her shoulder,

er shoulders relax even further, and the gentle sque

ttle lighter. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, an

with a small, underst

been tossing and turning in anticipation of what could happen, a million things could've gone wrong but

etter looking and smarter college girls and we're left with the pedigree of not chosen ones" Natalie groaned. "C'mon it's not that dire, let me help you find someone. If you can't find someone then there's no hope left for the rest of us. Show me your profile, I'll find someone who is qualifie

tered. But seriously, I'm just trying to help you get back out there. Plus, I'm sure t

brow. "Direction? You

y appearances. Step two: give them a chance to surprise you. And step thre

gging at her lips. "Okay, fine. I'll let you work your magic

more serious now. "Well, no matter what, yo

e weight of the words. She blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the emotion that was rising. It had been so long since she'd allowed herself to lea

r simply the weight of finally letting down her guard. But it didn't matter-

nsion that had lingered began to dissolve. The barista had just set their cups

with here," Kristen said, her grin retu

t curious. "I swear if you set me up with

hike, try new foods, and talk about his feelings.'" She paused, raising an eyebrow. "Wow,

his weekends meditating and reading self-help books. H

s one has a dog. I'm not saying you should judge, but we a

sing the dog is the highlight of his personality." She squinted

ely. He's the 'outdoor adventurer' type,

aced with the kind of easy camaraderie they hadn't shared in a long time. It felt go

ing back hoodies after you've

now how many people have been insid

"He's into motorcycles and extreme sports," she read aloud. "O

've found our winner. I'll take a chance

of that. Maybe we'll find you on yo

ugging at her lips. "Okay, okay. But only if you prom

in mock toast. "To finding love, or at

lie responded, clinking her cup against