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Mom nodded in approval. “We are very proud of her; I know she will excel at all she does.”

I walked Cal to the door as he waved goodbye to my mom. I pulled the door closed behind me and leaned against it with my eyes closed.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you…” I mumbled, refusing to meet his gaze. “You weren’t around, I didn’t know…”

He nodded, grimacing. “New York, eh?”

I gulped, unable to take the pain in his tone.

He stood up straight as he leaned over, as his lips grazed against mine. “I’ll pick you up later, about seven?”

He walked down the steps from the porch, walking backwards so he could still see me. I couldn’t stop gawking at his beautiful face, his hair in his eyes.

“So, the beard—are you gonna lose it?”

He snorted and ran his hand over it nonchalantly. “Hmm, you seemed to like it this morning?” He smirked and strode to his car.

My eyes followed him longingly as he swept his hair back, pulling on his aviators to avoid the glare of the bright sun.

He studied me one last time before he drove off back in the direction we had come.

I groaned, not sure what to think. There was so much to consider.

What happened to him in New York?

What would happen when I go to New York?

How did he feel about it?

My mind buzzed with the questions as I made my way back to the house. Mom was sitting at the kitchen table, coffee in hand. Her sapphire eyes locked onto mine when I strolled in, a small grin on her lips.

“He was...interesting. I can’t think what you see in him.”

We both laughed suddenly, thawing the ice between us.

I took a seat in front of my Mom who examined me with interest. “Everything okay, honey?” she asked.

“It’s complicated, Mom... I am so in love with him.”

She didn’t respond, instead she sipped her coffee in silence.

“He’s all I think about. I know me going to New York is going to be a big thing for him...but I also know he supports me entirely.”

I sighed, absentmindedly playing with one of my dark spirals as it tumbled over my shoulder.

“I don’t doubt you are in love with him. I think it’s clear you are both in love. I know long distance is hard. Where will he be able to study sports therapy?” She cocked her head to the side.

I looked back at her, answering her honestly. “I have no idea.”

She shrugged, reaching for my hand. “If it’s meant to work, it will. Now why don’t you have a relaxing day before your date tonight? I have to nip to the store if you need a ride to the mall.”

I wanted to pinch myself. My mom understood for once.

I beamed and grabbed my phone, dialling Rosie's number. She answered with a yawn, asking what time it was.

“Rosie, I need to see you. I need your help.”

Chapter Twenty-Six