Finding Me Again Read Free Page B

cheeks. The scent of asphalt fills my senses. Loud chattering and the sound of tires on the road swirl around us. The town is so familiar and comfortable. But it also brings back so many memories I try to forget. Tripp and I walked down this very sidewalk so many times. And even though that was several years ago, it still feels like yesterday. I understand what Paige is saying. It does seem odd that I can’t get over a boy I dated in high school. Turning my head, I look at Paige. “It’s just that Tripp and I had this amazing connection, and I just don’t feel that way with anyone else.”
    “That’s because you’ve never given anyone an opportunity. You can’t expect to have that connection with someone on your first date.”
    “But with Tripp it just happened. We became friends, and then we just connected. We didn’t have to work at it or try.”
    Paige nods while we continue to walk forward. The sushi restaurant we plan to eat at comes into view.
    “I mean, just imagine if you and Colt broke up,” I say, and watch Paige’s face crinkle at the mere thought. “Would you be able to just forget about him and move on?”
    “Of course not at first, but eventually I would have to.”
    We unhook arms and I reach for the door of the restaurant. My fingers wrap around the gold knob and I yank it open. The scent of fish and spices assault me as we step inside. After putting in our names, we grab a seat on the little bench near the door.
    “Really? You’d move on from Colt?” I give her a skeptical look.
    She shrugs. “I wouldn’t like it, but I’d have to. If he didn’t want to be with me what else could I do?”
    “But what about the connection the two of you have? How would you ever find that with someone else? I mean, I remember when you and Colt met. You bonded instantly. That’s something that only comes once in a lifetime.”
    Paige rests a hand on my arm. “Sometimes that’s true. But other times people experience it many times. You can have that connection again with someone else. I’m sure of it, Hads.”
    I shift uncomfortably on the bench, and cross one leg over the other. “I don’t know. I mean, I want to. It’s just so hard. Every time I’m out with someone I just end up c omparing them to Tripp.”
    “Maybe that’s the problem. Don’t think about Tripp while you’re on a date. Try to just focus on the guy you’re with.” Paige elbows me good-naturedly in the side. “And for God’s sakes, bite your tongue when he’s driving. You’re like the worst back seat driver ever.”
    I burst out into laughter. “That’s only with you. Other people don’t almost kill me every time we get in a car together.”
    “ Whatever,” she replies sarcastically. “Is that the real reason you wanted to walk to the restaurant?”
    “ Of course.” I swat her in the arm just as our table is called. While we follow the hostess through the maze of tables filled with people eating, I’m glad the conversation about Tripp is over. I’m hoping we can avoid the subject through the rest of the evening. I know Paige means well but it’s still just too painful to talk about. Maybe if I felt like I had closure I could move on. The way Tripp broke up with me left so many unanswered questions. Perhaps that’s the reason I can’t let go.

 
    Six
    Tripp
     
    We’ve been back in Folsom for a week and I haven’t ventured out of the apartment at all. Today I woke up feeling pretty good, and I’m dying to get out of this stuffy place. I roll my shoulders and work out the kinks in my legs and arms when Mom enters the room wearing a smile.
    “Someone’s up early.”
    I nod. “I was thinking of picking us up some breakfast.”
    “Really?” Her surprise makes me feel a little guilty. Has it been that long since I did something nice for her?
    “I’m glad you’re feeling up to getting out today,” she says.
    I reach for my wallet that sits on the counter. The place is put together now. We had a moving