“Wait a second, whenever you think I need advice, you talk my ear off, but all Hunter gets is you’ll figure it out? I feel like a second-class citizen right now.”
“Don’t be so dramatic. You two are different.” Winking, Amelia patted his shoulder. “I need to tailor my advice accordingly.”
The game began shortly afterward, and we all watched in silence.
But I wasn’t really watching. I was... figuring things out.
I couldn’t believe I’d left for the event that evening. I should have stayed home and been her anchor, the way she’d been mine that night when she’d found me on the treadmill. She’d just been there for me. How could I have left? How could I have thought that was what she needed? We challenged each other because we both had fiery personalities. We were bound to clash from time to time. I loved that fiery, funny woman. She added so much to my life. I’d learned to enjoy life every day, not just the big achievements. Learned to try out new things and let go.
I hung on to this thought, feeling like I’d made a major breakthrough. By the time the game was over, I was feeling one step closer to victory.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Josie
The best part about spending time with Tess? She was so bubbly and full of energy that it was catchy. And we had so much work to do. How she’d thought she’d finish everything by herself was beyond me.
On Sunday, we had our very first semi healthy meal—chicken salad with chips and guacamole on the side.
“You still haven’t said one word about Hunter. Oh, okay. You’re still glaring when I bring him up. More chips?”
“I’ll never say no to that.”
“I’m thinking, we need to shake things up a bit,” Tess said once we’d finished our salads, placing her hands on her hips and scrunching her face up in concentration.
“Uh-oh. Should I be afraid?”
“What? Not at all. When have my plans ever been dangerous?”
“Umm... when haven’t they been dangerous?”
“Girls’ night out?”
I shook my head. “Your cold is still not one hundred percent over.”
Tess continued undeterred. “Girls’ night in?”
I laughed. “I forgot you never give up.”
“Ha! Nothing is impossible if I’m making it my mission, and I totally am.”
I smiled, despite myself. Tess did her nickname justice. She was a damn hurricane. And camping here, in her apartment, I felt bad.
“Tess, have you ever just... felt lost? Like you’re not sure what’s best?”
“You’re talking about your career?”
“No, about Hunter. I love him. So much. I’m just afraid that I’m mucking things up with him. Being his friend was always so easy... I’m not used to things being strained between us.”
“Is there something more that you’re afraid of?”
I swallowed, deciding to own up to all my fears. Tess would give it to me straight.
“I’m afraid that maybe we got carried away, what with the marriage and living together, but that we’re first and foremost friends... I mean, if he hadn’t needed my help, we would have stayed just friends forever.”
“Ha! No, you wouldn’t have. You two always had this spark I loved. And of course, you’re going to have growing pains. Honestly, I think that’s true of any marriage or relationship. Everything happened so fast between the two of you, though. I can understand that you’re afraid. Just take your time. And as for your question... Josie, I’m human. Of course, I’ve had my moments of doubt and uncertainty. After Dad left, Mom was depressed for months. She tried to hide it, but it didn’t work. And for a while, we just let her do it, thinking it would pass. I mean, we were kids, didn’t know any better. But then after a while, we realized we had to help. Every time we saw her disappear into herself, instead of leaving her alone, we’d take her out and about and just be silly.”
“How could you do it?”