The Do-Over

by Lynn Painter

I once pulled a hotel’s fire alarm because my parents were sleeping in and I wanted to get to Disneyland before there was a line to see Belle.

“A-attention, Hazelwood students. I would like to announce that Josh Sutton is a total ass-bag.” I

“This is Emilie Hornby, and I am officially dumping you, Josh, because you suck.” Nick’s head shot up and he looked over at me like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing,

“Forget it—you don’t have to answer.” I tugged on his sleeve and we started walking again. “I’ve got a million other questions.” “Wonderful.”

When I was little and my mother made me apologize, I silently added, “… though I really am not” to the end of every single apology.

“I love you, Nick Stark.” I blinked fast and was surprised by how emotional I felt. My throat was tight as I said, “It won’t count tomorrow and it’ll be like I never said it, but on this Valentine’s Day, I fell in love with you.”

“Thanks for telling me all that, but Nick likes me enough to want me not with you, but not enough to actually do something about it.”

Josh wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. It wasn’t a casual hug, but a tight, all-encompassing embrace that felt like a goodbye to us, to Josh and Emilie.

“He had a perfect day with the perfect girl,” Rox said, “but his cynical heart refused to believe it could last, so he pushed her away.”

“It wasn’t until he cleaned out his truck and could still smell her perfume on his brother’s jacket,” Trey said, “that he was almost suffocated by how much he missed her.”

Alex continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “He knows he screwed up his chance, but he just wants to give her a present for her birthday. Then he’ll go.”

managed to say, “I can’t believe you remembered the cake.” “I remember everything about you, Em.” The crack in his voice brought my eyes back to his face. “I do.”

“I fell in love with you on Valentine’s Day, Emilie, but I need more than just seven minutes.”

“Yes, Emilie Hornby, I’m here to tell you that I’m a little obsessed with you. With this.” He raised his hands and cupped my face. “With us.”

Everything in my life had changed, but I had zero regrets. I had a marvelous time ruining everything