Page 73 of One More Round

She hugs me back and thanks me. But she grows serious. “OK, now tell us why you asked about your old room.”

Ugh. Here goes.

“Well, I’m kinda moving back to Chicago,” I say, waiting for the words to hit them. They both look at me, trying to comprehend what I’m saying for a second too long. Right as I start to sweat about the possibility that they won’t take the news like I’d hoped, they jump up and begin whooping and hollering with excitement. The tension in my body disappears and relief washes over me.

They settle down after a minute or two and then start bombarding me with questions.

“I thought you loved your job. Is it not what you thought it would be?”

“Why wasn’t that the first thing you told us?”

“I don’t understand, do you have another job lined up?”

Holding out my hands, I tell them to hold on. I chuckle. “OK, I’ll try to answer all your questions, just give me a chance to get a word in.”

They laugh and quiet down, allowing me to launch into more detail.

“Really, the main reason is that I just don’t like it here. Yeah, LA is cool and there are a lot of cool things to do, but it’s not really for me. I love my job, but I just don’t think I can get over living somewhere I hate. Plus, I’m really lonely here. I miss you guys so much. I’ve made some friends, but we don’t hang out much outside of work.” I take a breath and try to gauge their reaction. They both look sad but understanding laces their faces. So, I continue.

“I’ve talked to my boss about it, and she knows I’m not happy here. So, while I’m going to continue working for them, I’m kinda getting a demotion. Well, I shouldn’t really call it that, but I’m taking a pretty big pay cut and my job functions are changing a bit to accommodate that I will work via telecommunication. I get to keep my TV review and spoilers column, I won't get to cover red carpets, awards shows, and in-person interviews. But, I did just secure a part-time gig working forWeekly Entertainmentmagazine. My boss actually recommended me, and I get an actual weekly piece in the TV section of the printed magazine along with some online features. I get to put together the ‘What to Watch’ calendar each week.”

“So, what you’re saying is that you get to move back home and have an even better job set up?” Ruby says.

Laughing, I say, “Pretty much, yeah.”

“When does all this happen?” Morgan asks.

“I’ll move back in May. I have a few events and things I have to attend here this month and next, so it makes sense for me to stay until they are done. I start atWEin April, so there will be some overlap. But since I have no social life, I don’t mind.” I try to laugh it off, but it’s totally true.

“Gia, I’m so happy you are coming home,” Morgan says. “I just wish you had a place to move back to. I mean, we donated all the stuff you packed up and didn’t need, like you told us to do. I’ll be out of our apartment before you move home. I’m almost certain that they’ve already got someone scheduled to move in,” she explains.

“Oh, hey, it’s OK, I promise. I’ll find a one bedroom somewhere and get new stuff.”

“Hey, you could always move into Dex’s old room,” Ruby suggests.

I choke on the water I just took a drink of before coughing and giving her a glare.

“Ha-ha. Not funny.” I stand to grab a tissue from the bathroom to wipe the water from my chin.

When I return moments later Morgan and Ruby are having a silent conversation. I snort and shake my head because I know what they want to ask. So, I sit back down.

“No, I don’t know if I’m going to try and get Simon back,” I say as they both snap their heads toward me. “Isn’t that what you wanted to know?”

“Why wouldn’t you?” Morgan questions.

“Ah, well, don’t get me wrong, I want to, I just don’t know if it’s what’s best,” I tell them honestly.

“What do you mean?” Ruby asks.

“I’ve left him twice now. While I don’t plan on leaving again, I don’t think Simon is going to trust me enough to give us a third try. They call it a ‘second-chance love’ for a reason.”

“Pfft. I call bullshit,” Ruby huffs.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

Ruby continues. “If Simon isthe one, then you do everything you can to get him back and make him trust that you won’t leave him again. Also, the first time, you were sixteen and had no choice. You just didn’t handle the situation correctly. The second time, well, that was just unfortunate timing.”

“He hasn’t dated anyone since you broke up!” Morgan blurts out.

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