Page 12 of The Last Person
I smile asHallie Bakerflashes across my phone screen.
“Hello.”
“You texted at the perfect time. I just sat down with my snack and some decaf coffee. Tell me all about your stupidity.”
“I saidmight have.”
“Which means you definitely did. You’re aware enough to know your own truth.”
“I’m moving in with Hardy.”
There’s silence on the other end of the line for a beat, and when she finally speaks, all she says is, “Why?”
I relay the whole story—surprised Mark didn’t tell Frannie, who would’ve then told Hallie, and probably the whole rest of the group because secrets don’t exist in the Baker Girls tribe.
“So, how dumb do you think I am?”
“That depends on your reasoning for doing it.”
“I love the space. It’s gorgeous. It’s so massive I can’t imagine living there alone, but if I’d been the one to look at it as a space just for me, I might not have taken it because of how big it is. But with Hardy to share that space, it’ll feel smaller. And he loved it—just tell me… am I crazy? Is this going to destroy my friendship with him?”
“I’m only going to answer that if you listen to me this time.”
I squint like she can see me. “Since when do I not listen to you?”
“Since I keep telling you how much you matter to Hardy, and that he’d rather throw himself in front of a moving bus than let anything hurt you or your friendship, but you never believe me.”
“A moving bus? That would end his football career.”
“Thank you for making my point for me. You’re an idiot, but not for moving in with him. For hiding your feelings and lying to yourself.”
“Ouch.”
“I love you, but we don’t pull punches with each other. I’ve always got your back, but you’re going to hurt your own feelings one of these days.”
“And you won’t be there to pick up the pieces?”
“Of course I will, but no one deserves that. You encouraged me to let love in. Why don’t you give yourself the same chance?”
“Because it’s a lot scarier when I’m the one doing it.”
She bursts out laughing. “So your wisdom is only applicable if you don’t have to bear the consequences?”
“Obviously. Plus, it’s so much easier to see someone else’s life objectively than it is to see your own that way.”
“Don’t I know it. Look, it doesn’t matter what I see or think. It doesn’t even matter if you think it’s crazy. You know what everyone kept asking me when I moved up here? If I was happy. It was chaotic and confusing and a bit of a dumpster fire at times, but even in the midst of it all, I was happy. The only question that matters is are you happy? And I don’t mean happiness as a fleeting emotion, but a real contentedness with where you are right now—the path you’re on.”
That gives me pause.
“When did you become the wise one?”
“It magically happened when I got knocked up by a one-night stand.”
We both laugh. “I miss you, but I’m glad you’ve finally found your happiness.”
“You deserve to have that happiness too.”
“Fish tacos,fish-fish-fish tacos. Fish tacos. Who loves fish tacos? Fish tacos. I love fish tacos.”
