Page 78 of Your Rule to Break
Maybe I’ve been playing it safe by dating around, hooking up with whoever is interested. Maybe, deep down, I knew I’d never be serious with anyone like that. It’s like my mind wanted to keep the energy and space for someone like her. I don’t want to play it safe anymore, I want to break the rules.
Emilie is the adventure I want to take.
I’m out the door and practically running to the beach. It’s close to four, and I don’t want to be late.
I walk by a group of guys, some of them ridiculously tall. When I see the logo for the Jersey Jaguars, it makes sense. These must be the NBA players the front desk was telling us about when we checked in.
I try to walk by them, because professional athlete or not, I’ve got somewhere to be and they’re moving too slow for me.
When I think I’m in the clear, I hear someone yell, “Zack! Zack Andersen.”
As much as I want to bolt to the beach, pretend I didn’t hear them, or that I’m someone else, I can’t. I’m not that guy, even though I wish I was in the moment.
I turn around and see one of the guys walking toward me, the group walking in the other direction.
“Hey, man.” I shake his hand. “I have somewhere to be but if you want to find me later—”
“You’re Zack Andersen? Football player from New York? Cosmos?”
“Yes. That’s me and not trying to be a dick, but literally late for something—”
The guy looks at the ground and back up to me, shaking his head. The look on his face makes me stop.
“Are you good?” I ask.
“I’m not sure how to answer that.”
“Well, if you figure it out, I’ll be right over there.” I go to take another step.
“I did figure it out.” He grabs my arm before I can go any further; his blue eyes are burning into mine. “I’m Brooks.”
“Okay, good to meet you. Let’s do this later.” I’m itching to get to the beach.
“Wait, you don’t get it. I’m your brother.”
What the fuck did he just say?
Chapter 41
Emilie
My dress, pink likethe color of Zack’s favorite shorts, trails behind me as I walk to the beach. I tried this one on and quickly changed out of it before Zack could see me, so it’d be a surprise on the trip. I even got ready with Eliza and her bridesmaids so I wouldn’t risk running into him in our room.
The sun beats down on me as I walk out to our spot from the other night. The beach isn’t very busy, and I’m thankful for that. Closing my eyes, I put my hand on my chest, feeling for a heartbeat I know is racing. With excitement. With a dash of nervous energy.
A smile has been living on my face almost the entire day. From what felt like a silent resolution with Mitch last night to thinking of Zack and I on the balcony. It’s almost like I’m about to get everything I want.
I feel lucky.
I check my phone and it’s five minutes until four. Trying to stay off the beach until it was almost time was much harder than I thought it’d be. It’s like Christmas morning when you wake up at five in the morning to see if Santa came or not.
The spa day was perfect for Eliza and me. It let everyone chill out, spend time with themselves and their thoughts, while being with others. It gave me the space to think about what I wanted to say to Zack.
Surprisingly, the words have been difficult to nail down.
When I’m with him, I don’t worry about being too much—he never wants me to tone myself down. He likes to match my energy or help liftme up closer to his when I’m lower than usual. Zack encourages me to be honest—say how I’m feeling or what I want. He looks at me like I’m something worth keeping.
He makes me feel like I’m worth keeping.