“Not to mention, Jared knows where you work, and so does that bitch. I’m betting she’ll be a regular visitor to the gallery, just to rub your nose in it.”
I told Cay all about her reaction to me, and Cay is convinced Vittoria feels threatened. Which is ridiculous when she’s the one wearing his ring and carrying his baby.
“He’s ruined Florence for me now,” I admit though it’s not Jared’s fault. It wasn’t premeditated. It is what it is. “I can’t stay here.”
Cay bolts upright, her eyes widening with excitement. “Come here!” she shrieks. “Oh, please, please, Sydney. Move to San Fran! I miss you so much, and I don’t have many friends here, and it would be so awesome if my bestie was close by again. There’s a real artistic vibe here and plenty of galleries and museums you could apply to. You could even get a house by the beach like you’ve always wanted!” She bounces on her bed, and I laugh. Her enthusiasm is infectious.
“I wasn’t ever planning on returning to the US, but California is far enough away from New York I could consider it.”
Cayenne’s shriek is so loud it brings Jerry racing into the bedroom in a panic.
“Jesus, love, I thought someone was murdering you in here or something,” he says, scooping a jumping Cayenne into his arms.
“Hey, Jerry.”
“Hi, Sydney.” Cayenne’s big beefcake of a fiancé waggles his fingers and waves at me as he cradles my bestie in his arms.
“I’m trying to convince Sydney to move here. Help me.” She playfully swats Jerry’s chest.
“I said I’d consider it, Cay, not that I’m committing.”
“Pssh.” She rolls her eyes. “We both know I’m totally convincing you to move to San Fran.” Another squeal escapes her lips. “I haven’t been this excited since Jerry proposed.” Clinging to her fiancé, she leans in close to the screen. “This feels right, Sydney, admit it. I know you’re feeling it too.”
“I’m admitting nothing until I’ve had time to think about it. It’s been an emotionally draining day, and I need time to clear my head.” Between breaking Gio’s heart again, talking with Jared after all these years and learning the truth of the past, and old memories resurfacing, I’m destroyed and in no position to make life-changing decisions.
Her expression softens. “It’s been a lot, I know. And I won’t pressure you, babe. But at least consider a trip here before you make up your mind on where you’re moving to next.”
“I can do that.”
“I’m here for you, babe.” She wriggles in Jerry’s arms until he puts her down, and then she shoos him out of the room. I shout my goodbye as he waves over his shoulder at me. “I can’t begin to imagine how you must be feeling right now. I know it’s dragging everything to the surface again, but don’t let it suck you back in.”
“That is easier said than done. I’m feeling so much again. It’s hard seeing him and not remembering everything. I still love him, Cay,” I quietly admit. “I know it’s wrong. He doesn’t belong to me anymore, but I can’t help how I feel. It’s still him. I suspect it always will be.”
“You don’t know that. It just feels like it because it’s all so raw again.” She props her cell up, on her bedside table I’m guessing, and lies on her side on her bed. “You have come so far, Sydney. I’m proud of you for getting your life together. It wasn’t easy after all you’ve endured. I’m glad you got some closure with Jared, but don’t get sucked in again. I think it’s time to fully let go, and I think you need your bestie by your side to help you through it. Whether it’s here or you’re someplace else, know I am going nowhere. I will help you through this. I promise.”
ChapterSixteen
Sydney
“Thank you so much. I couldn’t have done this without your help,” I tell my bestie and her fiancé after we finish unloading the boxes from the moving truck into my new beachside bungalow.
“I’m amazed you managed to relocate from overseas, buy a new house, purchase furniture, and get a new job all within two months, Syd,” Jerry says, lifting his palm for a high five. “You’re a miracle worker.”
“Don’t underestimate a woman when she’s trying to get away from a man,” Cay teases.
I roll my eyes at my bestie as warmth spreads across my chest. “Come here, you big teddy bear.” I yank Jerry into a hug whether he wants one or not. “Thank you. For helping me and for loving my best friend. I’m so happy Cayenne found you.”
“He’s the best.” Cay snuggles into her man as I step away.
“He’s a keeper,” I agree.
“I’m thrilled you’re here, Syd. This move is going to be the absolute best thing for you. I feel it in my bones,” Cay adds.
“I agree,” Ashley says, wiping her hands down the front of her jean shorts as she steps out of my house. “I’m so excited we’re living close to one another.”
I wouldn’t call a three-hour drive close, but I know what she means. Half Moon Bay is much closer to Lowell than New York is. “I can’t wait to hang out more often.” I smile at my pretty cousin.
“Bring your husbands next time,” Cay says, waggling her brows. “I’m dying to meet them. Syd says they’re all total smoke shows.”
