Release (Release #1)

by Aly Martinez

We started toward my house, and as usual, Ramsey walked in the grass so I could have the sidewalk to myself.

“Probably not, but you have to remember where you two started. How many times have you told me that you hated him when you first met? You were depressed and miserable, and Ramsey stormed into your life with nothing but a smile and the finesse of a tornado. Now it’s your turn. It was a good start putting him in his place tonight. But you gotta stop all the woe-is-me wallowing. Not when you’ve already come this far. You’re the strongest woman I know, Thea. It’s time for you to do what you do best.” “What’s that?” “You need to beat the absolute shit out of him with kindness and love, the same way you did with me.”

Right then, I had a strong suspicion that the universe giving me Nora Stewart was hands down the best thing that was ever going to come from this tragedy.

But for the most part, I was selling my dreams to strangers, all the while banking the money so I could one day share that dream with Ramsey.

“You know it doesn’t have to be all or nothing though. We were friends before love entered the picture.” I swallowed hard, the distance between us suddenly measuring in oceans rather than inches. “You think that could actually happen?” She slowed to a stop at a red light and turned to face me, beautiful destruction breaking in her eyes. “I would give up over twelve years of my life for the opportunity to try.”

“You’ve traveled to every country?” “No. I’ve traveled to every country that doesn’t allow a felon to get a visa. I saved all the others for us.”

If he was happy, I would find a way to accept it.

“There was never a day when I didn’t want you to be mine, Sparrow. I just loved you enough to hope you wouldn’t have to be.”