Her lower lip sticks out. “And we won’t be roomies anymore.”
A familiar tug pulls taut in my belly. “Don’t remind me. I’ll be stuck with my parents for at least a month.”
She swings an arm around my shoulders. “No luck finding a place to rent?”
“Nothing with immediate availability. The earliest opening was July, but most are August or later.”
“Downtown or in the outskirts?”
I laugh at that. “Not sure there’s a huge difference when it comes to Silo Springs. I found a few within a mile or two of Main Street. But you’re well aware of how spread out everyone is. There aren’t a lot of residential spaces in the heart of town.”
“Saves room for all those adorable shops. And maybe your future office.” She wiggles her brows.
That earns her a dry scoff. “An apartment will suffice for both purposes. I’ll happily work out of my living room.”
Harlyn shimmies away so she can face me. “Are you so excited to get Sunny Monday Solutions rolling?”
I bite my lip and smile. “I really am. It still seems a bit crazy to me. I never anticipated this outpouring type of response when I decided on my career.”
A zing darts up my spine when I think about the clients already lined up. Being a media marketing manager might not be glamorous to some, but it’s a dream for me. I’ll get to help others achieve and increase sales while continuing to grow my own portfolio. This is my version of creative talent. Searching for authentic content to post that will highlight their products is only the beginning. Making sure their online presence is consistent and reliable is key for my success. Building their brand into something we’ll all be proud of is the ultimate goal. I allow a ghost of a smile to tilt my lips while reciting the mental list.
“I honestly can’t wait to dive in,” I add.
“Those romance authors are lucky to have you. Maybe you’ll get signed copies of their books as a bonus.” Her eyes sparkle under the dining room lamp.
“A few boxes are already on the way. I need them for pictures. K.K. Allen is a whiz on Instagram and is showing me the ropes. She tossed in a personalized Center of Gravity paperback. That’s my favorite. I’m already getting spoiled.” I wink at her.
“You better share.”
“Pretty sure your life is already packed with hearts and flowers. Foster is your real Prince Charming. That man stepped straight out of a fairy tale.”
Her sigh is whimsical. “He really did. I can’t believe we’ve only been dating a few months. It feels like so much longer.”
I catch the pure joy radiating off her, wanting to soak it in. “Soulmates.”
She leans against the table and folds her arms. “Can’t fault fate. We’re crazy meant to be.”
“You’re welcome, Miss I-Didn’t-Want-To-Take-A-Spring-Break-Trip. I’m always happy to prove you wrong.” I giggle when she sticks her tongue out at me. After shooting her an air-kiss, I swipe through the air. “Okay, enough mush. Are you all set to live in the big city?”
Harlyn makes a see-saw motion with her hand. “I guess? It’s a bit intimidating for this country girl. But I’ll adapt to the surroundings. I’m really excited about the school. Making a difference for those kids is what matters most.”
“And you will. You’ll be the best teacher that district has.”
She’s quiet for a moment, her laser-focus zoomed in on me. “Are you trying to butter me up?”
I toss out an exaggerated gasp. “What? No. Why would I be?”
“Because today is kinda sad.” She shrugs. “And you’re avoiding heavier topics.”
“Not sure what you mean.” But I totally do. I’m sure my expression is guarded. There is stuff I keep hidden, even from my best friend.
Harlyn huffs and blows some bangs off her forehead. “Is Jace happy you’re coming home?”
Surprise widens my eyes. I wasn’t expecting that. “Oh, I’m sure he’s positively thrilled to get me back within spying distance. My brother is a pain in the ass. Even two hundred miles couldn’t save me from his interference.”
To call him protective is a massive understatement. Nothing would make that man happier than me remaining single for the rest of my life.
My friend quirks a brow. “Are we talking about your lack of dating?”
