Better Than Fiction

by Alexa Martin

It’s not that I have self-esteem issues as much as I know my strengths and weaknesses. And my strength is definitely not sitting with a sympathetic ear and listening to other people’s problems. I’ve never been good at it, but I’m especially terrible at it when my own problems seem so big.

Why build equity and own something when I can just throw my money away every single month to a landlord who raises the rent every other year but doesn’t do anything to improve the building? Living every millennial’s dream.

If someone had told me that Jasper would show up at my door wearing a pair of black trousers and a silk floral-print shirt only buttoned halfway, I’m not sure I would’ve believed them. I also don’t think I would’ve thought that outfit would make my mouth go dry. Yet here we are. “Wow.” I use every ounce of self-control I have to pry my eyes away from his exposed chest and back up to his eyes. “Serving some Harry Styles realness, are we?” He nods, and his smile changes in a way I may not understand, but do like. “Just hoping for a little watermelon sugar.” My jaw drops open.

When I get lost in these books, life feels a little bit lighter, as if there are endless opportunities for me.