Page 12 of American Beauty

My heart leaps as soon as the words leave Gabby’s mouth.

“I’d be happy to return if needed.” I probably jump in a little too fast, but there’s no way I’m letting Macy play the martyr and volunteer herself first.

Gabby gives me an appreciative nod. “Noted, Magnolia. Thank you for always being a team player.”

I look forward, refusing to even glance Macy’s way. I don’t care to see the irritation written all over her face.

The meeting wraps up, and my mind races. I shouldn’t get my hopes up, but I can’t help it. My mind is spinning.

A return to Sydney. It’s not guaranteed, but Gabby put it on the table, and that’s enough to set my pulse racing.

I barely make it to my office before Violet is on my heels. “You were practically vibrating in that meeting. Should I pack your bags for you?”

I try for nonchalance, but the excitement bubbling under my skin betrays me. “It’s only a possibility.”

And I can’t wait to tell Alex.

Violet sits in the chair across from my desk, crossing her legs. “You’re grinning like you’ve won the lottery.”

She’s not wrong. My face is cramping.

I settle into my chair, unable to fight the thrill pulsing through me. “I didn’t think there would be a reason to go back. But if Soul Sync Australia needs help––hey, who am I to deprive them of my design skills?”

“Right,” Violet drawls. “Because that’s whatteam playersdo. You big suck-up.”

A giddy, almost weightless feeling rises in my chest, impossible to suppress.

Violet’s face softens, her usual sass giving way to something more touching. “Listen, I’m happy for you. Truly. If this is what you want, I hope it happens.”

Something about the way she says it makes my heart sad. “But?”

Violet sighs. “But… I’ll miss you. That’s all.”

The words hit me harder than I expect. I glance at her, taking in the sincerity beneath her usual playful tone. Violet is my person. My constant. And I know she wants me to be happy, but returning would mean leaving her again.

“I’m not gone yet. It’s only a maybe. Nothing’s set in stone.” But even as I say the words, my mind is already drifting to Alex and what it would mean to be with him again.

I can already see it—walking into his house, into his arms. Falling asleep with the steady beat of his heart under my cheek instead of through a screen. Waking up to him, not an empty pillow. Life felt fuller with him in it in ways I hadn’t even realized I was starving for. God, I miss him. I miss us.

Violet snaps her fingers in front of my face. “Earth to Magnolia.”

“Sorry, Vi.”

“You might be mentally booking a one-way ticket to Sydney, but some of us still have jobs to do.” She stands, adjusting herskirt. “Try not to spend the day doodling ‘Mrs. Magnolia Sebring’ in the margins of your notes, okay?”

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “Thanks for the advice, but I’m not in seventh grade.”

“You’re in love, Mags. And he’s made you think about things you used to be scared to even imagine.” She blows me a kiss and struts out, leaving me with the thoughts in my head.

I’m still half-lost in thought when Elijah appears at the door, leaning against the frame, arms crossed. “You volunteering to go back to Australia was the least surprising thing I’ve heard all day.”

He steps inside––uninvited––dropping into the chair across from me. His expression shifts, more serious now. “You really want to do another three months in that place?”

I shrug like it’s no big deal, even though there’s nothing I want more. “If they need me, why not?”

“Because I can’t bear to go back, and I was hoping you felt the same way.”

I study him for a moment. “You should stay in Charleston. Be with Sophie. Work on things.”

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