The Third Best Thing (Fulton U, #3)

by Maya Hughes

from dissolving into a puddle. “I think we should back off for a bit.” “Because I found out you’re The Letter Girl?” “You know that’s not why.” I took a deep breath, breathing through my nose even though it burned. “Tell me what’s going on.” I licked my lips. “Things are moving really fast and I think it would be best to chill out for a while.” “You’re breaking up with me.” Hurt radiated from his voice. “I’m barely to a place where I can look at myself in the mirror and not want to wear a snowsuit. I’ve hated myself for so long, and I’ve hated the way I look for so long, and I’m finally coming to a point where I’m okay with being me—most of the time. But what happened today…” I shook my head and squeezed my eyes shut. “What’s happening right now, with people talking about the letters and me and you together as though I’m a circus freak? I’m working hard on loving myself. I know I can get there. But I can’t do it under the searing spotlight at your side. I can’t do it when I know people are constantly looking at you and back at me and wondering why the hell you’re with me.” “Because you’re beautiful and sexy and kind and bake a killer cookie.” He ducked his head to catch my gaze. Squeezing my fingers, I stared at the floor between us. “I want to be strong enough for this, Berk. I do. But I’m not and I can’t force you to spend the rest of however long this lasts reassuring me every three seconds that everyone we pass isn’t thinking the same thing.” “I don’t care what other p...