Could I do it? Could I be that brave to let go of everything and move on? I haven’t been able to in years.

The buzz of my phone cut off my thoughts.

“Who is it?”

I put my phone back. “Cassie. She and Beth want us to have dinner together at our regular place.”

Nodding, his gaze turned back to the chromatic horizon.

After spending some more time talking and refreshing memories, we headed back to home. Once dropping him off, I turned the car around and drove to Nova’s Diner, where the girls were waiting for me.

But all the way, the only thing that consumed my mind was Dad’s words. I knew he was right. I couldn’t let go of the past because I held grudges. Grudges against my sister, grudges against Ace, grudges against myself.

I could understand the reason I blamed Tess and myself for being so naïve. But Ace, he didn’t deserve my hatred. He’d never promised to take care of my heart that I’d blamed him for breaking. But the heart couldn’t see anything other than its ache. And it knew, it’d to hurt others if it wanted to prevent another ache.

After talking to Tess last night, I decided to give us another chance. Maybe it was time to let go. Even if it was just a tiny step, it was something. I couldn’t just hold over something that happened years ago.

And maybe, it wasn’t all I thought it was. Last night’s conversation flashed in my mind.

“Did you love him?”

Her irises didn’t flicker as she answered, “No.”

“Then why did you do it? Why did you do it even after knowing you’d be hurting me by doing that?” I asked, my voice was desperate.

A look of sorrow had covered her features. “I didn’t want to hurt you, Em. I’d never hurt my little sister like that, no matter how much different we were from each other.”

“Then why?”

She’d cast me a look of apology. “I’m sorry, Em. I can’t tell you why. But you will know soon.”

She didn’t explain anything after that, just told me to think over her request and left, leaving me alone and confused.

What was she hiding? I didn’t know.

“So, you decided to forgive her?” Cassie asked, raising a brow.

I shrugged, twirling the fork into my spaghetti.

“I’m happy that you’re solving your problems with your sister, Em. Life is too short to hold grudges forever. I agree with your dad.” Beth smiled.

Cassie scoffed. “These things only sound good in your stupid books. They’re not that brilliant in real life. Once a bitch, always a bitch.”

“Cassie!” I sent her a look of reprimand, causing her to roll her eyes and take a sip from her smoothie.