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But as I let my thoughts drift on my drive home from work, I knew the coming weeks and months wouldn’t be easy. I’d be starting a new career, likely in an entirely new field. The three people who mattered the most to me weren’t Hayes’s biggest fans, which would surely make any gathering awkward.
With any luck, Liv’s visit tonight would clear up at least some of that awkwardness. Doing my best to stay hopeful, I went inside and got in the shower to clean up before Liv arrived with dinner. I was sitting on my couch, letting my hair air dry while watching a rerun of GBBO when my friend knocked on the door.
My chest tightened. She usually just walked right in. This rift between us might be even bigger than I thought.
“Come in,” I called.
And she did, carrying a plastic bag loaded with to-go boxes and Styrofoam cups tucked under her arm. “Hey, Del,” she said with a tentative smile.
“Let me help you,” I replied, getting up and retrieving the drinks from her. We set up all the food on the coffee table so we could watch TV while we ate like we had so many times before—especially when we were both single.
But now she had a family of her own, and life was starting to change for me too.
“Before we eat, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am,” Liv said quickly.
My heart twisted because a simple sorry wouldn’t fix how badly I felt after our conversation the night before. I owed it to our friendship to be honest. So I shifted on the couch, my knees nearly touching hers, and looked her in the eyes. “Liv, I’ve always supported you, even when I didn’t totally agree with your decisions, because I trust that you know what’s best for you.”
“I know.” She looked down at her lap, thumb tracing the lines on her opposite palm. “You’re a great friend, and I haven’t been a great friend or a great sister-in-law.”
The hurt in her voice hurt me. I hated seeing her in pain, even if I was as well. “Liv...”
She shook her head. “Fletcher pointed out that my brother Rhett and I may be more alike than I thought... We fight fiercely for the people we love, even if the fight isn’t needed.”
“It’s really not,” I told her. “Hayes is a great guy. I wish you could see what I see in him.”
She rubbed her palms over her jeans. “The thing is, I don’t need to see what you see in Hayes. Because I know you, and I trust you.”
I blinked quickly, trying to fight the stinging in my eyes.
“Whatever happens, I want to be here for it. If you’re willing to risk the hurt, I’m willing to eat a hundred tubs of frosting with you until we paste your heart together like a gingerbread house. If he’s your happily ever after, you bet I’m holding your wedding dress when you have to pee. Because Fletcher might be the love of my life, but you’re my soulmate.”
Tears started falling down my cheeks, so much so that I was wondering if some type of magic was turning me into a water spigot, I’d cried so much lately.
“Don’t cry,” Liv said sadly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
I shook my head. “These are relieved tears. It’s been... a lot these past couple days.”
Liv nodded and passed me one of the drinks. “A milkshake should help.”
I let out a teary chuckle, taking it from her. She was right, of course. The smooth, creamy drink felt amazing as I swallowed it down.
“How did the conversation go with Hayes?” she asked.
I smiled—I couldn’t help myself. And I was still smiling when I finished telling her all about it.
Her mouth fell open at the last part. “Hayes is cleaning out his guest room?”
I nodded.
She reached over to me and hugged me tight. We squealed happily like the giddy teens we once were together.
“I’m so happy for you,” she said, eyes shining with joy.
I smiled back. “Thank you.” I just hoped my parents would be as easy to convince.
“So is it just issues with Hayes and my stubborn ass, or is there something else?”
I frowned, setting my drink back down. “It’s my job too. Edna already offered my position to someone else, and if I stay in town, I’m out of work.”