Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Secretly, I think the one thing I do want is to get out of here. To go to a big city somewhere, away from all the sympathetic, knowing smiles. Away from everybody knowing everything about everyone else. Where I’m able to figure out who I am and what I’m like, without an entire town of people thinking they already know

Trust me, if you just go, everything will be fine. The overthinking is what will hurt you.

But what she didn’t tell me to expect is that by everything else shrinking away, it leaves room for other things to become bigger. Something that sometimes feels so small and far away can suddenly feel closer than it has in years.

Sometimes the best romances come from the best friendships.

You’re a part of her, you know? She can never be forgotten because you exist.

But Blake’s confidence steadies me, her voice telling me to move with the pull instead of against it, and slowly I’m able to work with the board, with my fear and uncertainty, instead of against it.

Only this time, I’ve pulled all my walls down, making room for a realization to swim into my stomach that I’ve been avoiding since even before my mom got sick.

Blake looks straight at me, her gaze so steady, it nearly pulls the truth right out of me.

Take it from me, Blake, even the most unexpected places and people can turn into the greatest adventures.’

I want to pull my hand from hers and clasp it over her mouth before she can say it. Before she can say exactly what I want to hear and exactly what I don’t.

You’re a part of her, Emily. I’m a part of her. Not any of that stuff,” he whispers. “I could never forget her. Ever. I’m close to her every minute I’m with you. And I want a new start because I know your mom wanted that for you. For both of us