Page 10 of Resisting the Running Back

“Oh, Sophie. I don’t want to lose you as a teacher in our department. Are you sure about this?”

I’m not. This feels like a split-second decision over breakfast with my best friend, but as my eyes edge over to his, I suddenly feel certain that this is the right choice for me. Something about the way he’s looking at me is convincing enough to push me to take this risk.

I draw in a deep breath, and I nod. “I’m sure.”

She’s quiet for a few seconds, and then she sighs. “Okay, then. Email me your official letter of resignation as soon as you can.”

“Thank you for everything.” We hang up, and I look at Miller again. “Let’s do this damn thing.”

“Yeah?” he asks, his eyes still all lit up and bright blue as they crinkle at the corners with excitement.

“Yeah,” I confirm. And then we toast with our orange juice glasses and celebrate with our breakfasts.

CHAPTER 5: Miller Banks

Mr. Wiggles

The strangest feelings pulse through me as I look at her face across the table from me.

She’s smiling despite breaking up with her long-term boyfriend last night and subsequently getting fired because of the douchebag move on his part.

And I am the one who put the smile on her face. This may be a crazy plan, but it feels right. This is her chance to take a leap, and if I can support the person I believe in most in the entire world, then it’s my responsibility to help her take that leap.

“When I first moved to San Diego, Tanner and I got a place together. He moved out, but I stayed, and it's way too big for just me. So just come live with me a while. It'll be your chance to get away and build your business,” I say.

She looks at me a little doubtfully. “Are you sure?”

I chuckle. “Absolutely.”

“I just don’t want you to feel like you can't keep living your life just because I'm there,” she says.

My brows dip together. “What do you mean by that?”

“You know, if you're seeing anybody or want to bring someone back…” She trails off, and somehow the permission to keep living my life feels like a knife right through my heart.

There’s no one else.

It’s her. It’s always been her.

I’ve tried. Believe me, I’ve tried. I’ve experimented with the competition, but she’s the reigning champ.

But her words are yet another reminder that she doesn't feel the same way I do, and she never has.

It's probably a little on the masochistic side to even suggest living together since I’ll be subjecting myself to the daily agony of living with a person that doesn't feel the way I do, but it also feels like having her so close is good for my soul.

Maybe she doesn't love me the way I love her, but regardless, she is still my best friend. We share a history and inside jokes and a lot in common. Even if I have to be subjected to her moving on from her previous relationship, I still have the friendship that means so much to me. And that’s better than nothing.

We finish breakfast, and I grab the bill. She gives me a warning, to which I reply, “Get used to it.”

She lets out a soft sigh that feels a bit like she's relenting.

“Where to?” I ask once we’re out in the parking lot by her car.

“San Diego?” she suggests, and I laugh.

“Do you need to go back to your place to pack your stuff first?”

“Yeah, I probably should. Tyler will be at work by now so I can get in, get what I need, and get out.”

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