Page 19 of Fighting Fate

"Love you too, Mom," Milli whispers, though Mrs. Sutton has already ended the call.

Milli's head falls forward onto the table, a sigh escaping her lips like a deflated balloon.

"That tough of a practice, huh?" Luke inquires.

She lifts her head, the previous shadow of disappointment in her eyes now replaced by a flicker of excitement, igniting a spontaneous smile on my face. It's remarkable how Milli's mere happiness can illuminate my world.

"No, it was really good, actually," she says, her voice dancing with enthusiasm. "The studio was a dream—polished hardwood floors, those amazing full-length mirrors..." Her voice trails off into a whimsical sigh, her eyes reflecting her daydream as she cradles her chin in her hand. "I even had the chance to meet my dance partner. You know, I usually do solo dancing, but I have a feeling I might come to enjoy this, especially after today's practice." She shrugs, adding, "And, on top of that, I was assigned to work with the young dancers I volunteer with—they're sisters, and it was just a perfect match."

Luke nods, his attention split between his meal and her words. For the next half hour, Milli is a beacon of light, her eyes shimmering with passion as she recounts her dance practice and outlines her plans for the upcoming school year. While I bask in the glow of her joy, a persistent nag gnaws at me, a searing curiosity about her night—whether it was with Payson, someone else, or something entirely different.

Miles, it's not your concern.

But my heart disagrees violently; when it comes to Milli, everything about her becomes my concern. It's like a relentless wave that washes over me, refusing to recede.

That night, my fingers are almost trembling as I reach out to her.

Miles

You gonna tell me why I had to cover for you with your mom and Luke?

Mills

I'm not sure what you mean . . .

Miles

Really, Mills? You're going to make me say it? Why did I lie, saying I showed you around campus last night, when you know it like the back of your hand?

Mills

Oh, that.

Miles

Yes, that.

Mills

It was nothing, just caught up with stuff. Don't sweat it.

But her casual dismissal is like a splinter under my skin, gnawing at me for the truth.

Miles

Since when do we keep secrets, Mills?

Mills

*eye roll*

*sigh . . . a long, weary sigh*

A small grin tugs at my lips as I recline into my pillows, a bittersweet triumph blooming in my chest. I can feel it; she's on the cusp of breaking. Our history of honesty is about to pay off.

Mills

Alright, I caved and went to the Alpha Rho Tau party. Happy now?