Callie scoffed. “I’m not strong. I cried the other night because I was craving a cola slushie and every place that sold them was closed.”
Aspen threw her head back and laughed. “I bet Lock found that tough. He hates it when he can’t be your knight in shining armor.”
“I got a slushie every day for the next week.”
“Man, you guys are cute. And I’m glad you’ve been able to open your studio again. I know how much that place means to you.”
Callie nibbled her lip. “Hamish came in yesterday.”
Aspen paused, mug halfway to her mouth. “Really? Did you talk?”
“I basically cried again. Said I was sorry he was pulled into my mess and almost died because of me. Lock also went around to his place to apologize. It doesn’t feel like enough.”
“I’m sure he realizes it wasn’t your fault.”
“He was so sweet. That’s why I think I’m going to set him up with Vanessa.”
Aspen’s brows lifted. “Who’s Vanessa?”
“A girl who does my Tuesday morning class. Hamish has a lot of love to give, and I think the two of them would really hit it off.”
Aspen’s smile softened. “You realize what an awesome person you are, right? Going through all that you’ve been through and still thinking of others.”
“After all the Antwan stuff, this town needs a little happy.” She nibbled her bottom lip before adding, “Including you.”
Her friend frowned. She looked down at her mug, and when she looked up again, there was resolve in her eyes. And maybe a bit of something else. Regret? She set her mug down. “I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you about something. It’s kind of big.”
Something in Aspen’s voice had her setting down her own mug and inching closer. “What is it?”
“I’m moving to Amber Ridge.”
Callie’s jaw dropped. Whatever she’d been expecting her friend to say, it wasn’t that. “Amber Ridge? Montana? As in, where Jesse lives?”
“We were talking the other night, and I mentioned how hard it’s been to see Dylan all the time…because I do. I see himall the time. It’s like he finds me even if I’m at the damn grocery store. And there’s also my mom. She’s been on a whole new level of crazy lately. She showed up at my house at one in the morning the other night, screaming that I took money from her purse. Jesse saw everything. It was so embarrassing.” Aspen shook her head. “He knows I can work from anywhere, so…he offered me the spare room in his house. I said no, because that’s crazy, right? I just met the guy, and Misty Peak is my home, and you’re pregnant so I need to be here for you, but—”
“Do it.”
Aspen stopped. “Really?”
Callie closed the remaining distance between them and took Aspen’s hand. “Whatever happened between you and Dylan…it’s bad. A man doesn’t call and text and follow you everywhere for weeks over a simple breakup. We’ve always shared everything, Aspen, so I don’t know why you don’t think you can tell me what happened. I’m just choosing to believe that you’ll let me in when you’re ready. But Idoknow you haven’t been happy.”
It wasn’t just that her friend hadn’t been happy. Aspen hadn’t been herself.
Callie tilted her head. “You deserve to be happy. The wild, delirious, can’t-help-it kind of happy. And if Misty Peak can’t offer you that with Dylan and your mom here, you owe it to yourself to go find it somewhere else.”
“I feel bad leaving you.”
“Don’t. I’ll miss you, but I’ll be okay. And that’s what phones are for, right? And every other modern technology used to keepin touch.” Callie smiled. “Trust me, distance is not going to get in the way of our friendship.”
Aspen pulled her into a tight hug. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Aspen. Just promise me one thing.”
Aspen pulled back. “Anything.”
“Protect your heart.”
Aspen laughed, but there was no humor behind it. “I won’t beriskingmy heart, so no protection needed. Dating is off the table for a very long time. Dylan has scared me into a life of celibacy.”
