All the Little Lights

by Jamie McGuire

“It’s not hard not to put your hands on a girl. If you can’t, then just stay away. Tell him that.”

people can only make us angry if we let them, and if we let them, we give them power.”

“That you either get good at rising above and meeting ignorance with education, or you get really good at being bitter.”

we should either be compassionate and educate or leave them alone in their ignorance.

“You know why you’ll never outgrow the need to make others feel like shit so you can feel better, Presley?”

the only happiness you’ll ever have in your sad, pathetic life that revolves around manicures and highlighting your hair. Your friends? They don’t like you. No one ever will because you don’t like yourself. So every time you give Catherine a hard time, she’ll know. She’ll know why you’re doing it, just like your friends will know. Just like you’ll know that you’re overcompensating. Every time you throw insults Catherine’s way, it’s that much less of a secret.” He made eye contact with each clone and then Presley. “Have the day you deserve.”

He was different—more than just odd—but he had found me. And for the moment, I liked not feeling lost.

“No, it’s just . . . that’s like the setting sun wishing it wasn’t so beautiful.”

Wanting something I couldn’t have was too painful, so I chose not to.

It’s weird.” “Since when did you stop liking weird?” “Since my life became its definition.”

I want you to see us win. I want you to be there when I run off the field. I want to see you waiting by my car when I come out, my hair wet, still out of breath, high on adrenaline. I want you to be part of it.”

I’d never met anyone like her, but I knew that had something to do with the fact that I’d never loved anyone else the way I loved her, and I never would again.

She was happy, and all I wanted to do was sit back and watch her enjoy the moment.

Elliott turned around, but I caught the trademark wide grin on his face. Kay looked to Leigh. “He loves her?” Leigh patted her arm again. “Don’t pretend you didn’t know.”

“Catherine, every time I’m close to you, I’m aware of every breath you take. When we’re not, everything reminds me of you. I know because nothing else matters.”

There was no point in denying it. Sam already knew I was stupid in love with that girl.

That’s why I told Madison I came back.” “Because you think I’m beautiful?” “Because I’ve loved you for almost half my life.”

“This is a mess,” I said with a sigh. “My life is a mess.” “Well, now your mess is my mess.”