The Quit List

by Katie Bailey

“I… I want sparks. Fireworks. Adventures.” I swallow. “Romance that makes me feel like I’m on a rollercoaster, but with someone safe next to me, holding my hand.” I say this all in a burst, then press my lips together, surprised by my own admission.

“That’s it, 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.” I grin. “And in the process, you’ll be checking off all the items on your Quit List.”

Some people say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. This week, my lived experience has been more absence makes the heart go haywire.

“I think that, up until now, you’ve only ever dated boys. And that right now, you’re wondering what it would feel like to actually be kissed by a man.”

In a few short weeks of knowing her, Holly Greene has become the first person I think about when I wake up in the morning, the laughter that keeps me going through my day, and the person I crave when I go to bed at night alone.

He’s everything I thought I didn’t want and everything I’m desperate for,

AKA The Mountain Man Dog Daddy of all Mountain Man Dog Daddies.

“I think I want another lesson,” I manage to choke out. “And who do you want that lesson from?” “You,” I practically whimper. “Good girl,” he says with a smile, and then, his lips meet mine.

“I spent all this time helping you tackle your quit list, but it turns out, I can’t quit you, Holly. And what’s more, I don’t think I want to. I know I don’t want to. I want to be here for you, through everything.”