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“Do you think living closer to me is going to fix anything? I think we’re more long-distance-relationship kind of people, don’t you?” she teases.

“Well, I’m seriously considering it, so I suggest you prepare yourself for the possibility of having a lot more Lexi-time in your life,” I say matter-of-factly.

“There isn’t enough time in the world to prepare for that, Lex.”

“You’re so mean,” I whine.

She raises her hands in surrender. “I’m kidding. I’m kidding. You know I’ll support you with whatever you decide. I’ll need some serious time to adjust to having you around more often, and we would, of course, have to set some boundaries.” She gives me a playful wink. “But I would deal.”

“You know I have no excuses for the way I’ve acted over the years. Zero. I had everything,” I huff out a sad laugh. “Truly everything. I was loved. I had great parents and friends, but I floated through life like a giant…jackass.”

“Lexi,” Cam exclaims with a giggle.

“It’s true. I think I was born a bitch, but the joy of being an adult is that I have the capacity for change.”

“Look at you, all wise again.”

I remain squished up against her side, making no effort to move away. I’m trying to find purpose in this life, and this girl, my best friend, is part of that journey. I tap her knee. “You’d die over some of the stuff I’ve been doing these past few months.”

“Tell me,” she says eagerly.

“Well, I’ve read self-help books galore and had major heart-to-heart moments with my mom. Did you know my parents have been seeing a couple’s therapist for like eighteen years?” I ask, twisting my face to see her shocked expression.

She gasps, her mouth agape. “No way. Your parents are perfect.”

“I know! That’s what I thought. But apparently, they’re as happy as they are because they work on their relationship every single day, according to my mom.”

“That’s crazy.”

“I know, but that revelation led me to find my own therapist.”

“You’re seeing a therapist?”

“Yeah.” I shrug. “It’s actually been really helpful.”

She covers my hand with hers. “That’s amazing, Lex.”

“I started college…and then quit.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I was going for a degree as an EMT, and it turns out that’s not the path for me.” I chuckle.

“Lexi! You hate blood or when others are sick! If I so much had a runny nose in high school, you wouldn’t come within three feet of me.” She laughs.

I nod. “I know. I know. It wasn’t the best decision. I realized that after I ran from class and puked up my breakfast after seeing one drop of blood.”

“Yeah.” She giggles. “That’s the Lexi I know.”

“I wanted to go into a field where I could help people, but I just haven’t found one I’m good at yet. So the career thing is still up in the air, but I’m trying to figure it out. I’m a work in progress.”

“No, you’ve grown a lot already. I see it.” She smiles.

We spend the rest of the afternoon gossiping about people from back home, and I tell her about my visit with Jules. We go over the details of Claire’s wedding and chat about Cam’s love life and my lack thereof. It’s an odd conversation, yet it’s so normal. Cam and I don’t do normal, but I like it.

Forgiveness and healing take time. But seeing that Cam is my best friend for life, time is something we have.

* * *

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