Unlucky Like Us (Like Us, #12)

by Krista Ritchie

Like we’re forever connected to the galaxy of our dreams. I clutch the sketch protectively. It’s the embodiment of us. Of what we could be. Of what I hope we will be.

We haven’t even breached that stage of deliberation. We’re trapped in the beginning.

“Luna?!” Kinney’s voice grows louder. I imagine she’s walking deeper into my room. “Are you on the roof? You’re not trying to get beamed up again, are you?”

Donnelly probably wouldn’t be beamed up with me, and I don’t really want to live on a planet where he’s not there.

“Okay, we need reinforcements,” Mom realizes in a quick, panting breath. “Lo! Lo! LOREN HALE GET YOUR BUTT UP HERE!!”

I think sometimes I’m the weakest of the entire Hale family.

I told you he’s been kind towards the women he’s been with, and he would let Luna rule his world if she wanted to. I told you he’d be there for her. I told you they’d be good together. So what the hell does us meeting as teenagers have to do with shit?”

I’m not a failure. I’m not a fuck-up or future screw-up to Donnelly. I’m someone worth something. And he’s worth everything to me.

“I’m really glad we’re still friends.” I hate this so much. “Me too, sad alien.”