The Quit List

by Katie Bailey

“I don’t know why I’m upset,” I say with a shrug. “Find a man who wrecks your lipstick, not your mascara, am I right?” Jax smirks. “I always heard ‘break her bed, not her heart.’”

“I don’t know whether to be impressed or terrified,” I mutter as Jax pays and thanks the lady before grabbing the bags. “I appreciate the save, but that was quite an elaborate story. Don’t get me wrong, the hiking in the Appalachians thing was a nice touch. And as for the marriage and babies spiel… well, I had no idea you were capable of that.” “They teach sex ed in the fifth grade, you know. I’m pretty confident that I know how to put a baby in you, Holly.” My body turns beet red and sizzles like it’s been thrown on a barbecue. “I mean the effortless lying, you psycho!” “Oh, that.” His grin widens. “What can I say, I play a good boyfriend. And my cabin is close to the Appalachians, so there is actually a backpacking route up there that I’ll be hiking this spring—with someone who’s not you, don’t worry—as one of the potential routes for my guiding business. That was a segue from the truth, rather than a total fallacy.” “Segue from the truth,” I repeat with a snort as I will my heart to beat at a normal rhythm.

Hol. You need to find someone to complement you, not complete you. You’re already a whole person all on your own, but to find your equal partner, you first need to pursue who you are and what you want in life. Find what brings you joy and makes you happy, and then find a person to share all that with you and even add to it.”