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Vivi shrugged. “Eh, it’s okay. But things are changing, and I’m not feeling it anymore. I think it’s time for something different.”

“I think the bank is looking for a loan officer,” Anthony said. “What about that?”

Vivi looked interested. “Maybe. It’d be fun to do something in finance after spending years getting my degree.”

The way everyone chatted felt like old times, but better. With her siblings so firmly on her side, and her parents being quiet, this could’ve been a big family brunch back home.

Carter was sitting next to her and Gio was back home, making arrangements for everyone to do some sightseeing and then fly home.

“Are you coming with us on the historical walking tour?” Anthony asked Barb and James.

The two exchanged a look, then Barb spoke. “No, we’ve rented a car. We’re going to visit the Scripps Institute.”

“That shouldn't take long,” Vivi said. “After the walking tour, we could meet in Old Town.”

Now that both parents weren’t being forceful with Em or Mila, the siblings kept trying to involve them in their plans.

“Maybe,” Barb said. “We might make plans with James’s old friend from school. He works at Scripps, and we haven’t seen him in years.”

“Well, you have the itinerary Gio put together,” Carter said. “You can always join us at any step along the way.”

Mila could hear the underlying words—as long as Barb and James remained civil, they were welcome to join.

“You know what, I’ve decided. I’m going to move out here,” Bec declared, making all conversation stop.

Anthony was the first to talk. “Right now, or later?”

Bec blinked, as if only now realizing she’d spoken out loud. “Oh, um, now I think. There’s something about this place, I can’t leave. Henry’s been wanting to retire, and I can’t handle the business by myself, so maybe it’s time to shut down Simon & Associates and open up out here.”

“Don’t you have to pass a state bar exam?” Mila asked.

Bec nodded. “Sure, but I’ve already passed the state bars for South Dakota, Minnesota, and Ohio. I’m sure I’ll do fine after I study.”

“What about Daniel?” Mila asked.

Bec shook her head. “We broke up a few weeks ago.”

“Oh no, why didn’t you tell me?” Mila asked, feeling like a horrible friend. They talked at least once a week, and Bec hadn’t said anything.

“It’s not like we were deeply in love or anything,” Bec said. “Looking back, I can see that we were together because it was convenient. Then he met Tori, and we were over. I was more annoyed than hurt. Now I feel like I need a fresh start.”

“You could move to LA with me,” Em suggested.

“Or we could both stay down here, close to Mila,” Bec suggested. Mila was thankful for the suggestion. LA was only a few hours’ drive away, but it was still far enough for Mila to worry. She wanted Em to follow her dream, but she also wanted her sister to be safe.

Em didn’t object right away, giving Mila hope. Could she really stay in San Diego with Carter and Gio and have both Em and Bec living locally?

This felt like everything was falling into place!

“Absolutely not!” Mila said with a laugh. “You guys can stand at the cliff's edge, I’m staying right here.”

“Still afraid of heights?” Em teased. They were at the Sunset Cliffs National Park. The itinerary was to watch the sunset here and then meet Gio for dinner. So far, the entire day had been wonderful and entertaining, just like the day before.

Mila would never be able to thank Gio enough for making her family's trip to “save” her one of the best vacations they’d ever had!

Tomorrow, everyone but Em and Bec would get on planes and fly back to South Dakota.

Gio was already looking into a two-bedroom condo for Em and Bec to share while they figured out their new lives.