Page 29 of Tongue-Tied

That would be ideal. How about you?

Same. I like California too much to leave.

We both love the area, the beach, and the weather, so I already figured it would be a no-brainer for both of us.

I didn’t actually mean leave California.

What if it’s someplace farther north, I ask, like San Francisco or San Jose?

I suppose I’d have to consider it. But it would be a hard decision.

My next inquiry comes way too easy, but bearing in mind what a romantic Austin is, it has to be asked.

How about if it’s for love? Like this guy comes along, sweeps you off your feet, and asks you to go live with him in San Francisco?

My palms are suddenly sweaty.

I mean, that’s not gonna happen, but I’ll play along…

I hold my breath as he types the rest of his response.

It would be hard to leave my parents and best friend. But hey, maybe my bestie would want to come along?

I quirk a small smile. Depends. Would he live with you?

Sure, why not? He adds a laughing emoji.

Now I’m grinning. Oh, I’m sure that’ll go over well.

Maybe it’ll be one of my requirements. Best friend must live with us.

LOL! And what if the best friend meets someone too?

This is a totally not serious conversation, so why does it feel like one? I’ve already sworn off relationships, and it’s unlikely Austin would move away from this area, but still, I’m waiting on tenterhooks for his answers, which are so unexpected—in a good way.

Then we all share a house!

I grin like a madman, maybe because it gives me hope that we’ll be lifelong friends no matter what happens on our upcoming date night. At least I hope so.

But my thoughts turn bleak on a dime like they tend to do anytime I think of romance or relationships.

And what if the two boyfriends cheat on the best friends with each other? I hit Send before I can think better of it.

Aren’t you a Debbie Downer? he replies, and he’s right.

Yeah, I know. Sorry.

I want to kick myself for ruining the good vibe.

Then I guess it’s good to know that the best friends will always have each other.

My smile and my good mood return. They will, won’t they?

Obviously. He waits for a beat before adding, Getting tired. Night.

Night.

I stare at the ceiling, imagining living in a real house or apartment with Austin and not a dorm. Just the two of us. And it brings me a kind of peace I didn’t even know I needed.

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