Over the years, I grew more careful with my closest friendships. I’d learned from Heather and Mya, where I’d been too eager, too needy for their time and attention. I tempered myself, never asked for too much, made sure I gave more than I took. I was most careful with Eli, maybe because deep down I knew a fracture between us would shatter me. When we fell in love, I hesitated before I took the leap, even though I was sure about him. I’d have more to lose—not just a best friend, but everything: my Person, now my boyfriend, someone who could give me forever, a thing I craved so deeply, but only
...more
