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“This isn’t who you are, dark and depressing.”

I shrugged and took a bite. “Maybe it’s who I am now. Do you realize you’re literally the only person I’ve ever loved who I haven’t lost?” Emotion in the form of a painful lump rose in my throat. “I’m not saying I was in love with Kyle after one weekend, but I’ve never had feelings like those, Jonathan. Nothing even close, and when it all went sideways, I was back to losing someone important to me all over again.”

“And so recently after we lost Lindy,” he said, as if the pieces were clicking into place. “She was always your soft place to fall.”

“Now that’s you. I love you, Jonathan, and this is me, falling.”

He set his plate on the coffee table, pulled me in, and kissed the top of my head. “I love you, too,” he said quietly. We sat like that for a few long moments before he looked down at me. “Just keep an open mind, okay? You don’t have to leap if you don’t want to leap. But don’t close yourself off to the possibility of leaping someday.”

I sniffled, feeling safe and protected. “I’ll work on keeping an open mind.”

“That-a-girl. Now, let’s eat stir-fry and find some trash TV to make us feel better about ourselves.”

“You’re on.” My happy place had been activated. Sitting next to my best friend, I let the world and all of its stresses fall away. If nothing else, I had a date with MJ to look forward to and a pair of crutches I was incredibly close to ditching. Then there was Jacob and Charlie Kielbasa. I could explore getting to know them. Or not. I had options. The soap opera doctor refused to be excluded from my brain, so I admitted that Kyle was also an option.

“You’ll be very proud of me.”

He paused our show and peered over at me. “Why is that?”

“My mind is open.”

Chapter Thirteen

Meet Kyle

Leave it to the trees of Dreamer’s Bay to trot out their gorgeous autumn colors early, just in time for Fall Flicks and Fun, held every year in Bountiful Park. I’d had a spring in my step all day just imagining the top-your-own hot chocolate and cider stands lining the sidewalk. Of course I’d be introducing MJ to the freshly popped popcorn drizzled with caramel. I’d asked her to accompany me, thinking it would be a nice way for her to meet more people. Was it a date? Maybe. Probably. I was waiting to see where the wind blew us.

“Wow. Everyone is here. This crowd is huge,” MJ said, looking around.

“When there’s an official event, the world comes out. You should see the Groundhog Day breakfast. People literally decorate their cars and come in full dress.”

“I don’t quite know what to say to that except that I’m intrigued.”

“You’re right to be. I get into it, though.”

She squeezed my hand. The one she’d been holding since we’d taken our spot in chairs the town council had put out. Rows upon rows all facing the big screen. This year’s film wasLittle Women. I’d seen this adaptation in the theater but looked forward to the revisit. I gestured to the ad on the screen. “Which sister are you?”

“Amy. In a heartbeat.”

I turned to her. “Really? And you own it and everything.”

“I’m a go-getter and I know it. There’s something to be said for chasing after the things you want in life. I didn’t hesitate when I met you at the grocery store, did I? I feel like Amy would have done the same.”

“I think you’re right about that.”

“What about you?”

“I’ve always gravitated to Beth while longing to be Jo. Call me Bo.”

“If you really want.” She laughed. Her blond hair was a little shorter than it had been the last time I’d seen her, not quite touching her shoulders. I liked its thick layers. MJ had great hair along with a nice smile. Was I trying to convince myself of something? Why was I getting so specific? “Hey, isn’t that Elizabeth’s bestie over there? KC.”

“Yep, KC and Dan Collette. KC works with Elizabeth at her odd jobs company and Dan’s an ER doctor.” I smiled because he was hand in hand with their son, Gray. The seven-year-old tried to buy me out of fruit rollups whenever he had the chance. I enjoyed his affinity for sweets and high fives. Plus, who could resist that mop of curls and his toothless grin? “And that’s little Gray.”

“Oh, he’s adorable. Who’s his friend?”

I exhaled. “That’s Kyle.” Gray looked up at her in adoration as she chatted animatedly with him. Apparently, Dan and Kyle were getting along well at the hospital. KC gestured to a group of four seats diagonal from ours. They’d attended the fest together. How awesome. Even if I felt a little queasy.

“They’ll just let anyone into this thing,” I yelled playfully, deciding to get ahead of this thing. Kyle and I were in a good spot. There was no reason not to embrace this friendship without getting hung up on the past.