CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“You look so much more energized,” Zach says, as I leave his cabin. “Do you feel refreshed?”

He looks hopeful, like he really wants me to like it here.

“I do,” I say. “It’s been great. Thank you for bringing me here.”

“Thank you for agreeing to come,” Zach says. “I’ve got so much to show you. You’ll love everything, I know you will.”

“I’d rather just wander around on my own right now,” I reply, though it pains me to say that. Lines need to be drawn or else my heart is going to collect more bruises. “Is that okay?”

“Of course,” Zach says, though he does look a little hurt by it. “Especially after seeing what you did in that fight, I think most everyone around here will be happy to answer any questions you might have or show you around.

“Feel free to reach out, of course. I want you to like it here. I want you to feel comfortable here.”

I want to like it here too. Though dealing with Lavender and Zach together is difficult, I don’t have anywhere else to go.

So, for the rest of t