Page 5

AMELIA

“There’s no way. You still have this?” Caleb tosses his head back laughing loudly as he takes my Wildcats suitcase from my hands, sliding it into the trunk of his Mercedes Benz.

He’s so dramatic. Granted…I was too, but still. I’m the only one who can be dramatic in this friendship. It’s the only way we can function.

I narrow my eyes at him, heading toward the passenger seat. “Don’t judge. It’s cute and functional.”

“Wasn’t planning on judging it,” he says slyly, slamming the trunk shut with a thump. Then he glances over at me with an unreadable expression. “I agree…it’s cute.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep the smile from slipping out.

As we both climb into the car he passes me his phone. “Here, put your new address in.”

I take his phone, feeling the warmth of his touch linger for a second. “Thanks,” I murmur, punching in my apartment on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Trees pass by in a blur as I lean against the window taking in the views. Huge billboards lining up with celebrities promoting skincare brands I’m sure they don’t use, new movies I need to go see, and oh my…

As we pass the SoFi Stadium, my eyes widen. Caleb’s massive billboard spread across the side of the building. He’s in his jersey, clutching the football, trying to look all “sexy” for the camera.

“Did they have to photoshop you or something? You’re usually not that good-looking.”

I’m not blind. Yeah, Caleb’s good-looking… everyone knows that.

I’ve witnessed girls falling for him every single day since I met him.

But someone’s gotta keep these men humble. He’s not exempt just because he’s my friend. Sorry, not sorry.

He feigns offense, shooting me a glower before focusing back on the road. “But that means I’m good looking some of the time, right?”

“Meh,” I say with a smug grin, shrugging as I look out the window. “I guess.”

“You guess?” he says, poking my ribs with his finger. I yelp and smack his arm.

“Focus on the road!” I fold my arms, shielding myself from any future pokes as laughter spills out of me.

My thoughts then start swirling in my head as we start approaching my new place.

New job. A fresh start.

I’ve missed being back in Los Angeles and being with Caleb again. This is where I’m always meant to be. It’s comforting, how easily we can slip back into our old routine, like no time has passed at all.

Everything is always better with him.

We pull into the parking lot, the modern apartments look beautiful with massive palm trees surrounding it.

He finds a spot, killing the engine as I head inside.

“Welcome to Sunset View. We are so happy to have you in our community,” the woman, maybe in her early 30’s with a black bob says. “Our pool closes at 11 p.m. and the gym closes at midnight.”

Then I notice she’s not even looking at me anymore as she recites all of the information I need. I follow her gaze and of course, Caleb.

Here we go again.

Caleb trails a few feet behind me with my luggage, approaching the desk.

She clears her throat. “If you ever stop by and want to take advantage of our gym here, I’ll let you.” She lowers her voice, gawking at Caleb like she’s ready to eat him whole. “Our little secret.”

I’m starting to reconsider my apartment choice. She’s completely forgotten about me and all I want are my keys so I can sit on my couch all night, order some leche flan, procrastinate unpacking and binge watch rom-coms until two in the morning.

Is that too much to ask for?

“I’m here for her that’s all, but thanks,” Caleb says firmly.

“Um…” Shifting uncomfortably, I scratch my temples. “May I have my keys now?

“Right, so sorry!” She sighs as Caleb doesn’t give her any other response before she crouches behind the desk to hand me my new shiny set of keys. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” I reach for it, snatching a pamphlet off the table, turning to head toward the elevators. “Have a great day.”

“You too,” she mutters, disappointment laced in her voice.

“She was flirting big time,” I mumble, pressing the up button.

He continues rolling my luggage, then stops beside me. “I know.”

“You didn’t flirt back?”

“Not interested.”

I raise a brow, half-shocked. “She was pretty.”

“And?”

“You like pretty girls.”

“Okay? I’m not some horn dog that goes after every woman I see.” He laughs, glancing down at me.

Interesting choice of words.

“Horn dog?” I press my lips together trying not to laugh.

The elevator dings, the doors sliding open.

“Just get inside,” he rolls his eyes, chuckling.

We step inside and I tap my card on the sensor then press the third floor.

After it dings again, we head toward my room. “Do you have any plans later?”

“Not at all,” he says quickly, rolling my luggage as I stop in front of my new place. “Why?”

The mahogany wooden door with the numbers 304 written in silver stares back at me. Wow. This is really happening.

I take out my keys, unlock the door, and step inside, taking it all in. The new apartment is quiet and untouched, filled with the crisp scent of wood and linen, with just a trace of fresh paint in the air.

Sunlight streams in, flooding the space with brightness as it glints off the grey wooden floors and marble kitchen island. I take a deep breath, soaking in the warmth pouring through the windows.

“Well, I’m waiting for the movers to drop off my boxes later and was wondering if you wanted to hang out until then?” I half-expect him not to, sure he has other plans on a Friday afternoon than to wait all day for my boxes.

He shuts the door behind me, taking a look around. “Wow, perfect apartment for the perfect girl,” he says, rolling my luggage into the corner with a small smile. “Yeah, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. You need to give me a tour.”

I chuckle and soak in my new space. It feels unreal to be officially back, for good this time. Life in San Francisco was amazing with my parents but this is my home. Where I belong.

I hop onto my new island, sliding my palms across the cool marble, glancing around the kitchen that I definitely won’t be using. Cooking’s not really my forte but I plan on learning. I can’t live off frozen pizza forever.

Unfortunately.

“So, when’s your first day at work?” he asks, stepping closer.

I swing my legs, meeting his gaze. “In two weeks. I’m a little nervous though, not going to lie.”

“Don’t be.” He gently squeezes my knee, easing my nerves with one simple touch. “Everything will fall into place. You’re a natural at what you do.”

Well here goes nothing. To new beginnings.