Page 23 of Loving London

The last thought hurts the most because I know that I will have to officially close the chapter on Loïc and our relationship. Moving across the country will be the force I need to turn the page to the next chapter, even when I hoped the last one would have turned into another book. Just because my story with Loïc is over doesn’t mean the novel of my life is. I have a lot more to tell, and I’m hoping this job will give me the courage to do so.

“I have some news,” I say, pulling away from Paige’s embrace.

“Okay…” Paige nods in encouragement.

“Well, remember that guy we met on New Year’s Eve, the one who works for theLA Times?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I called him, and he offered me a job in California.”

Tears begin to stream down Paige’s cheeks as she says, “I’m so happy for you!”

When she pulls me into another hug, I say, “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, don’t be, London. I get it. I’m going to miss you like crazy, but I think this is going to be really good for you. I know you’re not happy here.”

I marginally lean back so that I’m facing her. “I just didn’t know what else to do.” I shrug.

“I know.” She nods. “This is great, London. Really. I mean, theLA Times! That’s amazing! Plus, you’ll get a fresh start, which I think you need. Sure, we won’t see each other every day, but you’ll always be my best friend. That will never change.”

“Exactly. Plus, we’ll visit and text and talk all the time.”

“Totally,” Paige agrees. “I mean, we can’t be roommates forever. That’s life.”

“Right.” I nod.

“You know what they say…” Paige’s face lights up.

“What’s that?” I ask on a sigh, knowing she’s about to make zero sense.

She lets out an exhale. “Make sure to put all your eggs in one basket.” She beams with positivity.

I furrow my brows before responding, “Isn’t it supposed to be,Don’t put all your eggs in one basket?”

“But you’re putting all your eggs in one basket with this LA thing. Why would I say not to?” Paige tilts her head to the side in question.

“I don’t know, but that’s the way the saying goes. You’renotsupposed to put all your eggs in one basket because you’re supposed to leave yourself with different options, you know? Hence, the saying. But Iamputting all my eggs in one basket because I’m relying on this LA job to come through. So, the saying doesn’t make sense.”

“Right. That’s why I said to put them all in one basket.” Paige widens her eyes, as if to say,Duh.

“But that’s not the saying, Paige. You’re not supposed to put all your eggs in one basket,” I say, exasperated.

“Why are you so stuck on this egg thing? You don’t even like eggs that much.” Paige scrunches her lips together.

“OMG! You brought this entire thing up!” I scoff before breaking out in laughter. Wrapping my arms around Paige, I pull her into a hug. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

“Me, too.” She squeezes me back. “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, right?”

“You’re ridiculous.” I chuckle. “I’m not even going there.”

She pulls back and looks me in the eyes. “What are you going to do without all my words of advice?”

“Be a hell of a lot less confused!” I smile big. “Though I have a feeling I’m going to be getting it anyway. You’re going to be blowing up my phone.”

“Just as much as you’ll be blowing up mine.”

“You know it.” I grin. “I love you, Paigey Poo.”

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