Maisie’s cheeks bloom pink, giving her away before she even speaks. “Believe it or not,” she says, voice dropping to a confessional whisper, “he moved in next door. Bought the old Miller place when he came back to town.”
“He did not.” My jaw drops, and I don’t even try to catch it. Logan Humphries, notorious troublemaker, chaos in human form, living next door to straight-A, rule-following Maisie Lang? The universe has a strange sense of humor, and apparently, it’s feeling playful.
“He did,” Maisie confirms, fidgeting with her napkin like it’s suddenly the most fascinating object on earth. “And when I needed a date for Andy’s wedding…” She hesitates, cheeks pinking again. “He sort of…offered.”
“I’m so glad I missed it,” I say begrudgingly. “The wedding, I mean.” Andy and Lindsay are my least favorite couple for what they did to Maisie, and I’ll carry that grudge like it’s a family heirloom.
“But back to you and Logan,” I add. “I never would’ve pictured you two together. Not in a million years.”
Maisie’s lips quirk into a smile. “Opposites attract, I guess.”
“Enough about Miss Pop Star Girlfriend,” Claire cuts in, leaning forward, humor vanishing as her eyes turn serious, sharp as tacks. “What was with that SOS text?”
The question makes everything in me go heavy. I sink back against the chair, fingers tightening around my cup as anxiety knots in my gut.
“It’s Jake,” I say. “He works at Lantern Bridge.”
“Are you serious?” Claire’s eyes widen.
I nod with a long exhale. “He was sitting right there at the interview table,” I say, still not quite believing it. “He’s some kind of team lead or something.”
“Holy crap,” Maisie exclaims. “Did you know beforehand?”
“I had no clue,” I murmur, tracing my finger around the rim of my coffee, now cold and bitter like my mood. “But I don’t think I can take the job if they offer it. No way. How am I supposed to work with Jake every day after everything that happened between us?” My voice catches, then pushes on. “Staff meetings. Client pitches. Pretending I’m fine, ignoring our history.” The thought alone makes my stomach twist. “I can’t do it.”
Claire’s eyes flash, all fire and determination. “This was always your dream job, Sarah.” Her voice turns sharp, the way it does when she’s ready to go to war for someone she loves. “You can’t let that bonehead dictate how you live your life.” She leans in, like she can physically push courage into me. “Just ignore him.”
“Seriously,” Maisie agrees, nodding so vigorously her ponytail bounces. “You sent us your vision board sophomore year, remember?” Her eyes soften, but her voice stays firm. “‘Create campaigns that matter in Maplewood Springs.’”
“It’s easier said than done,” I tell them. “I thought coming home meant starting fresh.” I swallow, trying to breathe through the tightness in my chest. “But my past keeps finding me. Likeit’s been waiting around every corner for a chance to remind me it still has teeth.”
They exchange a look, quick and silent, the kind only years of friendship can translate. They’ve already made a decision. About me. For me. My stomach sinks, because I know that look. I’ve been on the receiving end of it since ninth grade.
“Accept the job if they offer it,” Maisie says firmly. “We need you here.”
“We missed you,” Claire adds softly. “And you deserve this opportunity.”
I open my mouth to argue again, already bracing for whatever plan they’ve cooked up, when my phone buzzes against the tabletop. The vibration skitters through my nerves as I look at the number I recognize all too well.
“Hello, this is Sarah,” I answer, frantically waving at Maisie and Claire.
“Ms. Lake, this is HR at Lantern Bridge Agency,” says the pleasant voice on the other end.
I mouth a silentit’s themto my friends, and both snap forward like I’ve yanked a string. Claire gives me an emphatic thumbs-up, practically vibrating with excitement, while Maisie nods with calm encouragement, like she’s trying to beam courage straight into me.
My mind races, sprinting in circles with nowhere to go. If I accept, I’ll have to work with Jake. See him every day.
And if I refuse… I’ll be walking away from the opportunity I’ve dreamed about for years.
Claire silently says,take it, her eyes blazing like she’s ready to physically tackle me if I even consider saying no. Maisie pins me with a look so firm it could qualify as a command. Not a word spoken, but the message is crystal clear: I’d better not even think about declining.
I crack under pressure and accept the offer.
The moment I end the call, they explode into muffled squeals, bouncing in their seats like we’re sixteen again and the hot guy on the football team just invited us to a party.
“I can’t believe you two,” I say, but I’m smiling despite myself. “Peer pressure much?”
“We’re not peers, we’re your best friends,” Claire corrects, grinning. “And you just made the right decision.”
