Page 43 of The Risks of Reuniting (Love Connections #1)

"Me," he replies, and stops us again. This time he releases my hand and wraps his arms around my lower back, resting his hands there as he hugs me lightly.

"Seriously, the biggest pro is that I'm there.

Everything else might be a con for all I know.

I'm pretty sure they have a Costco somewhere nearby though. "

I laugh and put my hands lightly around his neck. "And the biggest con to Salt Lake is that you're not here?"

"I'd like to think so." He grins. "Have you found out anything about licensing requirements if you move?" he asks with the same gentle touch I've been using. It's obvious we're both trying real hard to be on our best behavior here. "Or how Allie would feel about taking a roommate?"

"Only what I've found online. I'd definitely have to get re-licensed, but I'm not sure if that means a simple exam and fee, or working there for a time first. Nothing is really clear, and I haven't had luck reaching anyone on the phone. Allie is open to figuring things out, once we do."

He sighs and presses his forehead against mine. "Ah, here we stand, without any clear answers. It's the most fun thing ever."

I tip my head to kiss his chin and let go, slipping my arm through his as we turn back toward my place.

"We have one thing that's clear," I say. "We're going to grill some dinner and watch some trash TV. You in?"

He runs his free hand through his hair and nods. "How trashy?"

"Don't mention it to your mom."

"Yeah. I'm in."

I smile. "Now, tell me all about your internship, and leave nothing out."

"I think I want to go with Holt to North Carolina," I tell my cousin Lucy over the phone two days later.

I've called her to ask where Allie and I can stream Anne of Green Gables.

I know she'll know, because she loves that series with her whole heart, and rewatches it regularly.

"I'm ready." It's the first time I've said it out loud.

"Ooh," Lucy squeals, and I can imagine her clapping her hands together, her red hair shining around her beautiful face.

A face she used to draw fake freckles on so that she could look more like Anne herself.

"You know, it's sort of like how Gilbert gives up his teaching position in Avonlea so that Anne can be close to Marilla.

He puts her needs over his own. Super swoon. "

I laugh. "I really am so selfless right now."

"You two have really been on a roller-coaster. Will they, won't they, separated, together. I need a bucket of popcorn for the show." She chuckles. "Have you told him yet?" she asks.

"No. I need to, but I had a pickleball date with Gavin last night and missed my chance to see him in person. I think this is in-person news," I respond.

"Definitely. That way you can avoid miscommunication," she states. See? Banging that miscommunication drum again.

"Exactly," I reply. "I do listen to your warnings."

"How was pickleball? I haven't seen Gavin in a while."

I sigh. "It was . . . a lot."

"How so?"

"Did you know he's dating someone?"

"What? I thought he had sworn off women. "

"Me too." I laugh, sitting down on my bed to get comfy for this story. "So I'm at the park to meet him and he pulls up wearing a tracksuit, with his dark hair tinted with highlights, and this cute girl by his side."

"He dyed his hair and was wearing a tracksuit?" Lucy laughs.

"Yes, with stripes up the leg and everything.

The guy is not a retired man in his seventies, so I obviously gave him some guff about that.

Don't get me started on his highlights. It was giving Backstreet Boys and I nearly collapsed at the sight.

Anyhow, he introduces me to this girl – her name is Alisha – and she cracks some joke about how Gavin paid her dad in unlimited drain cleaning if he could court her, and now they've been dating for a bit. "

"She made a plumbing joke?" Lucy's voice flies higher with delight. "I didn't think he'd ever find someone like that."

"Right?" I lean back on my headboard. "So we're playing pickleball and she's off to the side, and Gavin launches into some big brother act, telling me how concerned he is about Holt's intentions, blah, blah, blah, and then he says it would be a waste of my time to be in North Carolina if Holt hasn't put a ring on it .

. . because it's one thing to move for a boyfriend, but another to move for a husband. "

Lucy gasps. "He said that? That's bold."

"Exactly. But before I could say anything, Alisha steps in and says, " So there's no point in going if they're not married ?

". And Gavin backpedals a little and says he doesn't want me to go without a thorough commitment, and Alisha says people can be committed without marriage, and that I shouldn't get married because of family pressures.

Then, they're having an argument about marriage and what it means to both of them, while I stand there holding a pickleball paddle and praying Gavin doesn't mess this up because Alisha is honestly a goddess. "

"Wow," she breathes. "I didn't know Gavin had it in him. He's usually such a goofball."

"I know. It was sweet, but annoying, because he's my older brother, you know?"

"As an only child I can't totally relate, but as his cousin I can see why you aren't looking for him to butt in. He's hanging in there, but he isn't a professional at life."

I laugh out loud at her description. Gavin has a job, a house, pays his bills, and seems to mostly function in the adult world, but he's a major weirdo. A lovable weirdo, but one who you half expect to be found dead in an alley for stealing someone's Guinea pig.

"Anyhow, in the end he said he's only looking out for me because he cares, which was sweet, but I kept waiting for a plumbing joke to drop."

"He didn't use one?"

"Nope. No jokes were made."

"All right. Unexpected, but not totally disappointing. I've heard hundreds at this point, and they aren't getting better." We both chuckle. "Alisha sounds cool. Do you think he'll bring her around the family any time soon?"

"I'm not sure, but I hope so. I'd love to have her as a sister-in-law."

The conversation flows to how she's doing, off on a big adventure to Prince Edward Island, shooting her shot at a big promotion and living her Anne dreams. She's just arrived, and things aren't off to a great start, but I encourage her the way she's always encouraged me.

She's got this. She's Lucy-Freaking-Sinclair .

. . and I'll never stop reminding her of that.

“Speaking of people you love to have around… how’s Shark Attack looking?” I ask.

Lucy groans and launches into a tirade on the absolute ridiculousness of running into her old nemesis in another country.

I’d say it was a crazy coincidence… but after everything that happened with Holt and me, I think my brain is officially in anything can happen territory.

So, I just listen and laugh while she tells me all about her first few days on Prince Edward Island.

“You’ve got this Lucy,” I say, signing off. “That promotion is as good as yours.”

“Thanks, Chloe. And you better tell me how Holt takes the news. I fully anticipate happy tears.”

“From me or him?”

“Oh, him. Definitely.”