The Third Best Thing (Fulton U, #3)

by Maya Hughes

“No.” The word was small and quiet, like he didn’t want to scare me away. “She said ‘It’s a wonder he sees anything in you at all.’ She threatened to cut me out of the wedding pictures if I didn’t lose weight. I’ve been getting that from her for as long as I can remember. “Watching everything I put into my mouth like we’re rationing. Criticizing me during every shopping trip because I can’t fit into the same clothes as Laura.” “I don’t care what other people are saying. And I don’t care that you’re The Letter Girl. I’m fine with it—more than fine with it.” Tears trailed down my cheeks. “But I’m not. This is a tightrope I’m walking and I’m three minutes from flying into the kitchen and eating half the stuff I baked over the past week, but I won’t. I can be strong right now, but every day, knowing that’s what’s going on? I’m not that strong, Berk. I’m just not. This is my breaking point.” I put my hand on the center of his chest and pushed him toward the porch. “There’s no way I can make it out unscathed.” He covered my hand on his chest with his own. “Who said you had to? Who said any of us do?” I looked up at him. “I do.” I pushed a little harder and he cleared the door. Closing it behind him, I locked it and sank to the floor, burying my face in my knees. “Jules.” Berk banged on the door. “Jules, don’t run away from me. Don’t push me away.” The ‘again’ hung in his words. I was doing this again. I muffled my tears and rushed upstairs, burying my head under my pillow. I was...