Page 6 of Here We Go Again

She presses her hands to her flaming cheeks. “Because it’s not a big deal. We’re just talking.”

“And kissing.”

Her gaze darts around the room. “Would you keep your voice down? Nothing has happened yet. We haven’t even been on a date.”

“But you like him,” I say, because the color in her cheeks can’t mean anything else.

“I mean, he’s great,” she says. “But it’s still so new. I hardly know him. And that’s the only reason I haven’t told you. There’s barely anything to tell.”

I frown and shake my head. “A kiss is definitely something to tell,” I say. “Do you know how weird it is hearing fourth-hand information about my best friend?”

She bites her lip, like she’s deliberating just how much she wants to say. “I know, and I’m sorry. I didn’t like keeping it from you, but I…” She takes an intentional breath. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

I frown, still puzzled by her reasoning. “Why would it worry me?”

She lifts her shoulders in a small shrug. “Because we’re only supposed to be in Atlanta temporarily. And I know how anxious you are to get back to the West Coast. I just didn’t want you to freak out over me dating someone in Atlanta, especially when being here has already been so stressful for you.”

I sink back into my chair and let her words settle. Atlanta has been stressful for me. Being apart from Rory, seeing Theo, being reminded of Theo every time I turn around. And I have been anxious to get back to California. But that doesn’t mean I would freak out.

I mean, I do have concerns about her dating a doctor, mostly because if he’s interested in a travel nurse, I’m doubtful he’s looking for the happily-ever-after I know Mia craves.

But it still makes me sad that she’s worried enough to keep secrets. None of my concerns will ever be more important than her happiness.

I reach across the table and take her hand. “Mia, I would never expect you to not date someone just because I don’t want to live in Atlanta long term. If you like this guy, then I’m happy for you. Truly.”

She bites her lip. “Really?”

“Of course really.”

Her eyes brighten. “It’s amazing to hear you say that,” she practically gushes. “Because I know we’re getting close to when we’d usually sign our next contract, but if things go well over the next few weeks, I might … not for a bit. Just to see what happens. Like, I definitely will not stay here just for him. But I might not want to commit to leave, you know? At least not as soon as we usually do.”

Oh. Oh no. Did we just go from I like him all the way to I might not go back to California in less than five sentences? I force my face to remain neutral. Am I happy she’s crushing on a cute doctor? Absolutely.

Am I happy she just casually tossed out the possibility of staying in Atlanta for said doctor? Not even a little bit.

And what does she mean she might not sign? I’m already checking job postings at our favorite Orange County hospital. Once new listings go live, contracts are snatched up quickly, so we can’t really sleep on it if that’s where we want to go.

It isn’t time yet, but it will be soon.

“Gosh, I’m so relieved,” Mia continues. “I thought for sure you’d try to lecture me or tell me I’m being rash for even talking about dating him. But I’m trying to keep myself open, you know?”

“I totally get it,” I manage to say, even as I swallow back the dozens of concerns that just popped into my brain. I love Mia’s optimism, but her lack of a plan directly impacts my plan. And not having a plan for me might actually give me hives.

Not that I’m going to admit as much out loud. I already told her I was happy for her. And she’s looking at me with so much hope in her eyes, I can’t go back on that now.

Mia gives me a knowing look like she isn’t quite convinced. “I appreciate the effort you’re making right now, but don’t think I don’t recognize how much it pains you to say that.”

“It doesn’t pain me,” I say. “I’m fine.”

“You are not fine. I know you, Rebecca Bradley. And nothing eats at your bones quite like a well-intended let’s wait and see.”

“Then I hope you’re taking notes on how much I love you,” I say. “I would like to meet him, though. And if I don’t think he’s good enough for you, I’m not going to pretend otherwise.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Mia says.

“And I can wait a little while before signing my next contract, but come September first, I’ll have to make a decision about where I’m going.” I don’t say out loud that I’ll have to make it with or without Mia. But I don’t have to. She knows I won’t stay in Atlanta—it was only a viable choice in the first place because our housing is free. The money doesn’t matter as much to Mia, but I have to stick to my plan, which means going back to California as soon as our contract here is over.

“Also exactly what I expected,” Mia says, but then her expression softens. “Not that I want us to split up. I totally don’t.”