“It will be fine. I’ll just put my address.” It’s not like he’s going to get on a plane and try to change my mind. I humiliated him in front of his friends and family. Frank’s not a monster. He’s not going to send a hitman after me, either. And it’s not like I’m alone in the woods. I’m living among loads of people. Putting my address on this package is no big deal.

Before I can second-guess myself, I scribble out Frank’s address, my address, and stuff the Ziploc containing the ring into the mailer. I pay the bird lady and head out.

I exhale as I step out into the fresh Colorado air. I look up into the bright blue sky and smile. Sending back that ring feels powerful. I made that decision. Not out of fear—which is what drove me to bolt from the wedding—but because I don’t want to marry Frank. I never did. And he deserves the ring back.

I stuff my hands back into my pockets and head to the diner. As I pass by Snail Trail, I glance in, see Marge, and give her a wave. Her face brightens and she waves back.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so at home somewhere, despite living in the trailer park my entire life.

I get to the diner and slide into the booth closest to the door, avoiding the one I sat in with Byron, even though the view of the mountain would be better from there.

Rachel comes over, and I order a hot chocolate and the waffles with fresh berries without thinking twice. The description on the menu reads, Because if it comes with fruit, it can’t be bad for you, right? I’m getting better at making my own decisions, though in fairness, waffles at the diner are an easy choice.

The door behind me opens, and I know without having to turn around that it’s Byron. I close my eyes. Will he come over? Say hi? I so desperately want him to slide in opposite me and make me laugh. Make me see myself the way he sees me—someone with potential. A woman who could be with a man like him.

He places an order for hot chocolate, turns, and sees me. Our eyes lock and energy jolts through my body like I’m touching a live wire.

“Hey,” I say.

His eyes search my face, like he’s looking for instructions on what he’s supposed to do now.

“You wanna join me?” The words are out of my mouth before I can think of the consequences. Do I want him so close by? And with staff from the Club in town, I don’t need people to see me chatting with the owner like we’re friends.

“I actually have to get to the vet to pick up Athena.”