“That’s a lot for one night, I think.”

I put my arm around his waist, my heart swelling with pride. “Wow. I’m so honored that you told me. Why me?”

He shrugged. “I’ve been wanting to tell someone for a long time, and I guess I knew that you wouldn’t judge me and that you could keep a secret.” He looked down at me. “Plus, I didn’t want you to feel bad like I didn’t like you.” He sighed. “Thanks, really, for being so great about that. You made it so easy.”

I leaned my head against his shoulder. “Okay. Well, I guess I’ll have to find another great love. You and I will just have to be best friends.” I stopped and squealed. “We can be like Will and Grace. We can live together and—”

“We do live together, psycho.” He paused. “And, um, I don’t know if you’ve found your great love. But I feel pretty sure your great love has found you.…”

I was puzzled for less than a second. Ben. “You think?” I asked.

“Any guy who wouldn’t leave you alone after that dinner deserves some sort of medal of honor,” he said. “Yeah, I’d say he’s pretty much in love with you.”

I bit my lip as we walked over the dune. “Damn,” I said. “If I admit I like him, I’m losing my best friend.”

“Nah. You just got a new one. Remember?”

That made me feel so much better. And for the first time, when I thought of Ben, I let myself realize that his crush wasn’t one-sided. I did like him. And maybe that wasn’t something to be afraid of. From the dune, the lights inside the mommune sparkled and shone, and you couldn’t help but wonder about the people who lived inside. No, not the people. The family. We might be dysfunctional, but, in this short period of time, we’d become one. I felt happy and lucky and warm inside. I didn’t want to leave. It broke my heart. But on a night as beautiful and clear as tonight, I couldn’t help but be filled with the hope—no, the knowing—that everything was going to be okay.

JUNIPER SHORES SOCIALITE

@junipershoressocialite

Sharing bad behavior and delicious drama in North Carolina’s most exclusive coastal zip code. DM with tips, pics, and juicy deets.

SEPTEMBER 17, 7:50 A.M.

33 Posts

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You didn’t hear it from me, but…

PIC 1: This town really knows how to take up a cause. I’ve been told that the cries of #freebill heard all throughout town have really helped fortify the Sitterly family. Let’s keep it going. Light your prayer candles, wear your crystals, spread a little sage. Goodness gracious, we sure do love it when this town comes together.