Her Best Men

“What did you tell him?” I asked.

“Just that you moved,” Andrea said with a shrug. “I said you were doing great, but that you left Dallas.”

“And?” I pressed.

“He was shocked,” Andrea said. “I guess he really had no idea.”

“I told you.” I laughed softly. “He’s not really the type to check Facebook religiously.”

“Still,” Andrea said. “You’d think he would have by now.”

“Nah.” I shook my head. “Residency is too time-consuming, remember?”

“Whatever.” Andrea rolled her eyes. “Anyway, I just thought you should know.”

“Did you tell him where I moved?” I asked nervously. The last thing I needed was for Joshua to suddenly have a change of heart and show up at my doorstep.

“God, no,” Andrea said. “Why the hell would I do that?”

“Just making sure,” I said. “Thanks for telling me.”

Andrea watched me closely as I took another sip of my champagne. I couldn’t have described my mood if I wanted to. I’d been so happy just moments before, and now, I was still happy but reserved. There was something about hearing Joshua’s name, something about knowing he had asked about me, that made me uncomfortable.

“You okay?” Andrea asked.

“Just…” I began. “I don’t know. It’s strange.”

“What is?” Andrea asked.

“I don’t feel sad anymore,” I said. “Before, when someone would mention him, I’d feel this weight on my chest. My eyes would burn, and I would want to cry.”

“And now?”

“It’s a different feeling.” I shrugged. “Less intense.”

“You’re getting over him,” Andrea said wisely. “That’s a good thing.”

“It is, isn’t it?” I smiled, and Andrea nodded encouragingly.

We spent the rest of the day talking about anything but Joshua. My mind turned back to Michael and, by the time Andrea left, I couldn’t stop myself from calling him.

“Julie,” he said when he answered. “I was wondering when I’d hear from you. How was the interview?”

“It was amazing,” I said. “I got the job.”

“Congratulations!” Michael said. “That’s fantastic!”

“Thank you.” I beamed into the phone.

“Tomorrow,” he said simply. “You free?”

“I am,” I said.

“Great. We’ll celebrate then.”

CHAPTER 12

MICHAEL