The Rule Book

by Sarah Adams

The whiteboard that has become a staple for every important life planning session in our friend group over the last two years ever since we used it to help Nathan get out of the friend zone with his best friend (now wife), Bree.

Maybe one day it won’t feel like such a struggle to simply exist as a woman in my field, but today is not that day. So I’ll continue to fight with all I’ve got to prove I belong here. Even when that means representing my ex-boyfriend.

That was the day I realized no one would care about me as much as I cared about myself—and I needed to fight for my dreams because no one else would.

That’s all right. My mom taught me early on that I would never be everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean I should change my flavor for anyone either. I let that boyfriend go—I wish I could let the sting of his rejection go too. Derek is not treating me like I’m extra, though. His eyes and hands and voice are all gentle, which honestly surprises me.

Besides, if my dad taught me anything, it’s that men are not worth pinning your future happiness on. They leave when they’re bored.

I can’t help but smile. They did this for Nora—so she’d feel welcome. Because they’re my family and Nora is my family now too.