Page 83 of Balancing Act

Beth set the phone down and turned on her stool to face Jamie. She rested her hands on Jamie’s thighs, rubbing gently.

“You didn’t tell me you gave Lily your number,” she said softly, her surprise evident in her tone.

Jamie’s face fell slightly. “Oh, yeah. Sorry, I probably should’ve asked first. I didn’t mean to overstep or anything. I just figured—I’m sorry.”

Beth cut her off with a kiss, the warmth of Jamie’s care for Lily hitting her in full force. It wasn’t about the phone number; it was about how naturally Jamie had woven herself into their lives, how easy it felt.

“What was that for?” Jamie asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Because you’re amazing,” Beth whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. “You didn’t overstep. I just wasn’t expecting Lilyto bring you into our little traditions so naturally or easily. It caught me off guard. In a good way.”

Jamie leaned in to kiss Beth’s temple before pulling back. “I get it. She’s your world. And I’m looking forward to being a part of it. But I know she always comes first.”

Beth laughed softly. “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. We take our gingerbread houses very seriously.”

“If she wants me to judge your gingerbread house contest, I’m in. Bring it on. I’m a tough judge.”

She pulled Jamie into another kiss. It was slower this time, softer. A kiss that said all the things she hadn’t found the words for yet, or at least she hoped it did.

“I hate to ruin the moment,” Jamie said, after they finally pulled apart, “but I need to get on the road to make the next ferry.” A glint of something—reluctance maybe—flashed across Jamie’s features, and Beth’s heart squeezed a little at the thought of Jamie leaving, even if it was only for a few weeks.

“I wish you didn’t have to go,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around Jamie’s waist.

“I know, but I’ll be back soon. We’ll keep talking, keep figuring things out.”

“We will,” she said softly, her fingers brushing Jamie’s cheek.

“I meant what I said. I’m in this, Beth. I just need a little time.”

“I trust you,” she whispered, as she held Jamie’s gaze, fingers tightening briefly, reluctant to let go.

“I trust you, too,” Jamie said, stepping back, eyes flicking between where she stood and the door. “I’ll call you when I get home,” she promised.

Beth watched Jamie’s van disappear down the icy road, a knot of sadness and anticipation coiling tightly in her chest. They’d see each other in a few weeks, but that didn’t help the feeling of already missing her after having Jamie all to herselfthe past few days. She wanted to believe that Jamie’s promise that she was “in this” was real, that patience would be enough to hold them steady. But at this point, only time would tell.

EIGHTEEN

JAMIE

Jamie had just finished her run. Skin still flushed from the cold evening air, she reveled in the steady rhythm of her footsteps on the pavement. Letting out a long breath, she felt that familiar post-run calm settle over her as she entered her house, kicked off her shoes, and headed to the kitchen. She was starving.

Her phone buzzed on the counter, drawing her attention. Picking it up, she saw Lily’s name and a text.

Lily 7:45 PM

ROUTINE EMERGENCY!!!!!! Can we FaceTime? Need help with now.

Jamie’s lips curled into a smile. Over the past few weeks, these messages from Lily had become a regular occurrence, and though Jamie hadn’t expected it, she found herself looking forward to them. There was something nice—surprising, even—about being needed by someone in the way Lily needed her. It tugged at a place she’d closed off.

She swiped to answer, and as she waited for the call to connect, Jamie ran a hand through her damp hair. This was new—being needed like this. She’d told herself a dozen times to keepthings simple, offer advice, and move on, but it never worked that way. Much like Beth, Lily seemed to have that same knack for slipping past every defense Jamie put up, like she belonged there, nestled into the parts of Jamie that she usually kept guarded.

Lily’s face appeared on the screen. Her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, cheeks flushed, and an overall chaotic nature to her today.

“Hey, kid! What’s the emergency?”

Lily pouted angrily, tucking a stray strand of familiar blonde, wavy hair behind her ear. Jamie felt a pang of affection she wasn’t quite prepared for.

“My entire beam routine, that’s what.”