“Which is why I think you’re going in the wrong direction.”

“I can’t believe you’re trying to talk me into not going on the way to the airport.”

I could hardly believe the gall of my sister. Didn’t she know the kind of internal warfare I was already facing? The last thing I needed was for her to pile on the doubt too.

“I think you’re making a mistake,” she said.

“I can’t upturn my life for some guy! Who do you think I am?”

“It’s not for some guy, it’s for your happiness!”

I blew my nose loudly and my body heaved again. I couldn’t hold it in any longer. “I love him,” I blurted out.

Mattie’s mouth fell open, and she looked from me back to the road. “Oh my God. Frankie, what? Are you serious? Did you tell him?”

I shook my head. “That would just make things worse.”

“He needs to know.”

“I think he already does,” I admitted. While we hadn’t exchanged the words, actions spoke louder. The care with which we treated each other—the pain in our goodbye. It could only mean one thing.

Mattie let out a loud huff. “I can’t believe you’re about to get on a plane and leave without telling him that.”

“What good would it do?”

“Ugh!” Mattie drug a hand over her face. “You have no idea how badly I want to turn this car around and drive you straight to him.”

“It’s already over,” I said, the words hollow. “Once I get to New York, this wound, or whatever it is, will slowly start to heal. I’ll kick ass at my new job and all will be right with the world.”

Mattie sighed. “I really doubt that.” Her voice was defeated, but I couldn’t let her doubt infiltrate my mind. I needed to get on that flight.

This whole experience was like ripping off a Band-Aid. The sting would linger, but it would only get better the faster I did it.

When we finally pulled up to the airport, my sister wordlessly got out of the car and walked to the trunk before opening it. I pulled out my luggage and slung my backpack around my shoulders.

“Don’t be upset with me,” I said, a new set of tears threatening to be released as I gave my sister a hug goodbye. I knew I’d see her and that we’d talk, but it wouldn’t be the same. Having her close again had been so comforting. I’d cherish this time forever.

“I’m not upset.” Judging from the deep frown on her face, I wasn’t sure I believed her. “I just want you to be happy.”

“I will be.” I squeezed her arms and tried to believe the words as I said them.

“I love you,” she said. “Text me when you land.”

I watched her get into the car and pull away, sticking her hand out the window and waving until she was out of sight.

I pulled in a slow breath and exhaled. This was it. The moment my next chapter started.