Page 46 of Fated Shot

“Did you meet Amelia at Coach’s barbecue?”

Uh-oh...Play it cool. “Oh, uh, yeah, I think I did.”

“She’s super nice. She just moved to the city. Cami’s hoping they can be friends.”

“That’s nice,” I add, hoping it comes off as nonchalant as intended. Getting up from the bed, I start to get dressed and pray we’ve both fulfilled our communication quota before I say something I shouldn’t.

***

Mia

I don’t know why I’m nervous, but I find myself trying to calm my breathing as I sit waiting at Steamy Brews, a cute little coffee shop in the heart of downtown. This feels like a first date but even higher stakes.

I’ve never been the most outgoing—call it sheltered or just painfully shy. That, plus my limited social skills and moving around all the time, made it difficult to maintain long-term friendships. Still, I’m finding myself increasingly eager to branch out. The thought of putting myself out there, trying to make friends, or even just one friend… I don’t know, it feels daunting. So when I saw the text from Camille, I have to admit, I was pretty pumped.

Right on cue, I spot her walking in. She’s beyond put together, with cream Nikes that match her knit cardigan, blue jeans, and perfectly bouncy curls falling around her face. She has that clean girl aesthetic, like she wakes up looking effortlessly beautiful everyday.

I wave to her before spotting Kaia, possibly the most adorable baby I’ve ever met, happily smiling and kicking her legs from the baby carrier.

“Amelia, hi!” she calls happily with an excited wave. “I’m sooo sorry we’re late!”

“Not at all. I’m so happy you made it! You can call me Mia, by the way.”

“Aww, I love that nickname. It suits you!”

I laugh. I’ve always felt like Mia, but my parents never seem to get with the program. No matter how old I get, I think I’ll always be their little Amelia.

“Thanks.” I smile at her.

“We decided to walk, didn’t we, Kaia?” She grabs her little hands in hers. “But it took a lot longer than usual carrying her.”

She’s smiling, but still looks a little guilty. I could barely get myself ready and here on time, and here she is, looking like a supermodel supermom. I have so much respect for her.

“It’s honestly no problem! I literally just got here. Why don’t you grab a coffee? I can watch her for you if that’s easier.” To say she looks relieved is an understatement, and I’m immediately so happy I offered.

“Are you sure?” The way she asks would make you think I just offered her a million dollars not to hold her baby for a few minutes. I can’t imagine she gets a lot of moments to herself these days. Her reaction alone tells me she must not be used to having a lot of support around her.

I nod. “Absolutely.”

“Ugh, you’re such an angel,” she says with a glowing smile as she carefully unclips Kaia, handing her over to me. As I settle her into the crook of my hip, I lower my head to hers as she happily babbles up at me.

Oh man, does baby fever ever hit you like a ton of bricks. Her little hand reaches up to my cheek and I pretend to munch on it, causing her to squeal in delight.I’m too young for kids… I’m too young for kids…

When Camille gets back, Kaia and I are already best buddies as she snuggles happily into my side.

“Oh my gosh, you’re a baby whisperer,” she says, sitting down opposite me, drink in hand.

“Ha, I don’t know about that. I’ve always babysat, though. I love kids.”

“You’re a natural.”

“Thanks,” I say, offering a slight smile. I try to think of something else to chat about. Geez, am I ever rusty on the friend front.

Thankfully, bubbly as always, Cami starts, “So, tell me, how are you liking Toronto?”

“It’s nice! Still trying to get my bearings, but I’m learning.” There are about a million one-way streets, and I’ve been lost almost every day I’ve attempted to drive in the city, but it’s all part of the adventure.

“Oh man, I can imagine. I’ve lived here for almost four years, and I’m still figuring things out!” Super, so a lot more confusing years to come.

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