Page 147 of Just One Season
“Raleigh!” I pick up the phone and switch off the bathroom light.
“I don’t know.” Raleigh’s voice is miserable. “I’ve been thinking of taking a break from work.”
“Like a long vacation?” I furrow my brow.
Raleigh’s always had the most stable career of the three of us. She went to pharmacy school after we graduated college and has had a good paying, stable job since then.
Her love life? Not quite as stable.
“I’m burning out. From this town. From this job. From everything.”
“Okay. We should talk about this more, but I really need to run.” I grab my water bottle and fill it at the refrigerator, balancing the phone in my other hand.
“Me too, actually.” Raleigh looks relieved. “Love you guys, talk soon.”
“Wait,” January says. “You’re avoiding the conversation.”
“I have to think about things. And I need to get ready for my shift. Bye!” Raleigh disconnects.
January and I stare at each other. Something’s definitely going on there.
“That was weird.”
“Yup.” January laughs.
“You know you are always welcome here too. Savannah asked about you last time I talked to her.”
I followed my instincts and actually started being friendly to Savannah. Turns out, she’s sweet and supportive and funny as hell. And she needs a few more good friends in Fort Collins.
So do I.
“She’s registered to take the Colorado bar.”
“Good for her,” Jan says. “I follow her on the socials, but she hasn’t posted anything about that.”
“Not sure if that’s social media material.”
“Maybe not.” January shrugs. “I’ll think about visiting sometime. Maybe I’ll come for New Year’s again.”
We agree to tie Raleigh down for the next video call as soon as possible and then say goodbye.
Waffles sits at my feet, staring up at me, tongue hanging out of his mouth.
“Ready for the parade, Waffles?”
He barks and smiles. Fine, maybe that’s just his face, but still, it looks like a smile. His name is perfect for him. I don’t know why I didn’t see it at the beginning.
Fifteen minutes later, I spot Kellen and Ava as I approach A Good Book. I take a moment to appreciate the sight before me.
Kellen’s crouched down in front of his daughter, saying something in her ear, making her laugh. He stands and takes her small hand in his large one. My hot hockey player boyfriend is in a snug long-sleeved gray t-shirt and jeans that probably cost more than all my pants put together.
He turns to look at me and when his eyes meet mine, his smile is brighter than the sun that shines on Fort Collins. And the sun shines 300 days a year here.
Ava spots us and squeals, running full speed and skidding to a stop to let Waffles jump up on her chest and give her a billion kisses.
“He’s wearing his new name tag!” Ava touches the soft leather tag clipped onto his collar. I got one back in January, but Ava wanted me to get another one with a bit more bling. So he’s got a glittery silver name tag that saysWaffles, surrounded by pink and purple gems.
“Hey,” I say when Kellen steps around Ava to kiss me softly. My cheeks warm, and I’m filled with all the feelings.
