“Close. I think he’ll be twenty-nine when he finishes his residency.”
“That’s insane.” Char shakes her head, causing her ponytail to sway.
“It is. But he loves it so much.”
“And you? How are you liking your new job?”
“It’s... hard,” I admit. “Working for the county, the things some of these kids have gone through...” I shake myhead. “I just have to keep reminding myself that I’m helping them in some small way.”
“In more than just a small way,” Lyric disagrees. “You know how vital it is to have someone to talk to when you’re struggling, especially as a child. Don’t discount everything you are doing for those kids.”
I nod, not sure what to say. As rewarding as my job is, it’s even more challenging. And while some days I come home ready to bawl my eyes out, I do take some comfort in knowing that our sessions will help them. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day. One day, my words will have an impact, even if they don’t know it yet. I would know because I’ve been through it myself and have come out on the other end stronger for it.
“Are you and Macallan going to stay in Virginia once he finishes his residency?”
“I think so. Both of our families are there. My job is there. Not saying that we’ll never leave, but I don’t see it happening in the next few years. I like being close to Jackson, too. Did I tell you he’s dating someone and that he brought her home to meet my mom and dad?”
“Stop it. Jackson?” Char openly gapes.
“I know, right? I was quite shocked myself. He’s never brought a girl home... Ever.”
“Must be serious,” Lyric offers.
“I think so. He seems quite smitten with her.”
“Do you like her?” Char asks.
“She’s nice. Beautiful, of course. And a wicked tongue. I’ve never seen someone go toe-to-toe with Jackson the way she does.”
“Probably why he likes her.” Char snorts.
“Probably.” I’m quick to agree.
“Speaking of liking people... It seems Prince Charming is heading this way,” Charlotte announces, and I quickly follow her line of sight to see Macallan heading up the beach toward us... alone.
“Hey.” I smile up at him when he stops in front of my chair, towering over me.
“Hey.” He grins, extending a hand to me. “Wanna take a walk?”
“Now?” I cock my head to the side, gesturing to Char and Lyric.
“We won’t be long,” he promises.
“Fine.” I feign annoyance as I take his hand, allowing him to pull me to my feet.
Entwining our fingers together, Mac leads me down the beach in silence. It’s not until we’re out of earshot of our friends that he abruptly stops and turns to face me, something off about his expression.
I narrow my gaze on him, something about the way he’s looking at me causing my pulse to spike.
He almost looks... nervous.
“Maisie,” he starts, taking my other hand so that he’s holding both of mine in his.
“Macallan...” I say back when he doesn’t say anything else. “Are you okay? What’s going on?”
“I’m fine. Just... give me a second.” He blows out a shaky breath. Yep, definitely nervous.
“Okay,” I reply softly, waiting anxiously for him to continue.
