Mile High

You don’t have to love your body every single day. That’s unrealistic to expect, but I’ll be here loving it for the days you can’t.

But the truth is, I do want to be loved, and that’s scary to admit. It’s a lot easier to say you don’t want to be loved when no one loves you.

Stevie,” Zanders says. “You following me?

It hurts a whole lot less to be hated when you’re not being yourself than it does not to be loved for who you are,

You’re my first choice, Vee. My only choice.

If shit-talking is a love language, then it’s ours, and I thoroughly plan on bantering with my wild girl for the rest of my life.

Stevie girl, I’ll follow you anywhere.

I pepper kisses on the side of her head as I watch a smile pull at her lips through the mirror. And though I love every single curve on her body, that one right there is my favorite.

So, ‘Vee’, huh?” “It’s a family nickname.”  “My family nickname is Zee. Vee and Zee. Aren’t we fucking adorable?

I would’ve followed you anywhere, but you never asked.

Don’t you fucking dare.” My voice is as quiet as I can make it. “If you say anything, I will end you. Then I’ll marry your wife just to spite you, and your son will grow up calling me Daddy.”  “Oh, fuck you!” Maddison isn’t trying to be quiet at all. “Stevie, Zee wants you to be his date to a charity gala in Chicago, but he’s too chicken shit to ask and doesn’t think you’d want to go with him.”  “I fucking hate you. We are no longer friends.

There’s only so much oxygen on an airplane. I don’t want his ego to suffocate the rest of us.  You know, safety and all that shit.

You don’t have feelings?” Maddison asks, unconvinced. “You cried while watching Coco with Ella. You have fucking feelings, man. You should start letting people know.

Don’t hurt me.” He searches my face, trying to read me as hope overtakes him. “I couldn’t.

Hey, Stevie?” “Hmm.” Her head leans on her arms, facing me. “I like talking to you.

And you’re not an option, Stevie, because besides you, there’s no other choice.

So, you like me?” His smile is eager and excitable.  I can’t help but laugh at this giant man asking such a childish question. “What do you think?” “Say it. Stroke my ego, Stevie.

your mom is the absolute worst, Zee.”  “So is yours.” I rest my head on his shoulder. “Look at us,” I tease. “Trauma-bonding.

Get over here. I need all my girls together.

Stevie,” Zanders says in his smooth velvety voice. “You following me?

This is my favorite one, Stevie girl.” He allows me to spin the ring that’s lost all its shine. “Because it was yours, and you’re my favorite.

And wearing your hand around my throat like a necklace is my favorite piece of jewelry.

Being vulnerable and authentic is scary, man. Terrifying. But to the people who matter to you, the ones you’ve shown your true self to, they love you unconditionally. Why not let others love you unconditionally too? At least give them a chance to.

I’m going to fucking destroy your body tonight and hopefully some of those insecurities that don’t make any goddamn sense right along with it.

You’ll always be my first choice. Have been since the day I met you, sweetheart.

But there’s no chance in hell I’m upgrading this. Stevie’s hands might drip in 24-karat gold after today, but this five-dollar beat-up ring is hers, and therefore it’s mine.

You’re my personal version of heaven, Stevie girl.

You want to be chosen first? Well, so do I. So, choose me.

Hey, Zanders?” “Hmm?” “That’s what it feels like to be loved.

It’s the list of girls I see in those cities. It’s a little different now, but the concept is still the same.