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“There’s a little work to be done,” I tell her. “I’d like to update the kitchen counters, and it probably needs new paint throughout. Other than that, there’s not a lot to do. The previous owners did a good job on the upkeep.”

Lana looks up from the phone screen, and I sense her indecision as she opens her mouth to speak. “I don’t want this to come out wrong, but I must ask. Are you sure you’re able to afford this place? Last time we talked, you mentioned having trouble finding something within your budget. Given the location and condition of this condo, I don’t see how this could be within that budget we discussed previously.”

Deep breath.

“I can afford it,” I assure her. “I’m going to be strapped for cash for a little while, since I had to put all my savings into the down payment, but I’ll be okay. I’ve been getting a steady stream of business, so it should work out just fine.”

My photography business is my baby. I usually stay pretty busy and have built a dependable client base. It’s a little tricky right now, though. After my current job finishes, I don’t have any jobs scheduled for the next several weeks. It’s causing me some stress, but nothing I can’t handle. Not that Lana needs to know any of that. She’d just worry.

As though she read my mind, she leans forward and drops her voice. “What about those lulls in your business? If you’ve emptied your savings account, how will you manage that?”

An internal debate rages in my head. How much do I tell her? Do I tell her anything? Is she going to tell me I’m crazy?

“It won’t be a problem. I decided to take in a roommate,” I confess. But then I immediately feel guilty for being dishonest. It seems like there’s no way to avoid this conversation after all. I look down at my hands and tell her the rest. “Well, that’s not exactly true. My roommate is Anthony. He’s moved in with me into the new condo.”

“He moved in with you?” she asks.

I nod. “Yes, and we’re getting married.”

Lana sputters out the coffee she’s drinking and looks at me in shock. “I’m sorry, come again? You moved into a condo with a guy you have only known for a few months? And you’re engaged to him? When did this happen?”

I hold up my hand to stop her barrage of questions. “I know, I know. It feels rushed since we’ve only been together for ten months. I get it. I do. And I’ll admit I’m a little nervous about it all, but I love him, and this feels right.”

Lana wipes the coffee off the table in front of her. “I don’t understand. How can you be engaged already? I was only gone on my honeymoon for three weeks. This all seems way too fast.”

My spine stiffens. Not that I expected Lana’s approval, but it would’ve made things easier.

“We’ve been dating for ten months, not ten days. I wouldn’t exactly call that fast,” I tell her in a steely voice. “Besides, it’s not like you and Jake dated very long before getting engaged and then married.”

“You can’t compare me and Jake to you and Anthony. I wasn’t putting myself at financial risk with Jake. Can you even afford this place without him? Because it sounds like you can’t. What happens if you two split up? You’re taking a huge risk by purchasing a condo you can’t afford by yourself. What if he decides not to contribute to the mortgage payment or can’t afford it? What then?”

Split up? Yeah, she’d probably be thrilled about that. I should’ve known she wouldn’t understand. I stand up and grab my handbag, intending to hit the pavement outside as soon as possible.

“I thought you’d be happy for me. Let’s remember that you made some crazy decisions last year. And even when I thought they were dumb and going to get you in trouble, I was there for you,” I say hotly. “I finally found someone I love and want to marry, and all you can see are the dollar signs. I know that he isn’t rich like your husband. That doesn’t make him a bad person.”

Lana sucks in a harsh breath, and I immediately feel guilty for my horrible words. Lana is the last person who would judge a person based on money. Still, it hurts that she isn’t backing me up.

“That was mean, but maybe I deserve it,” Lana says softly. “Look, I’m sorry. You’re right, I shouldn’t have judged your boyfriend. I don’t even know him all that well. I have only met him a few times. I’m just worried about you and concerned you’re taking on a lot of risk. It’s not my business, and I shouldn’t have said anything. Please sit down so that we can talk about it. Don’t be mad at me.”

I’m still contemplating leaving, but the contrite look on Lana’s face has me reconsidering. She’s my best friend, after all. It’s just hard to get past the fact she dislikes Anthony. I don’t know how we’re going to get past this.

My foot is poised to escape. “I don’t know. Maybe I should go, and we can both cool down.”

Lana shakes her head. “No, seriously. I won’t say another word. You made your decisions, and I respect your choices. I’m truly sorry I said anything. We promised each other that a guy would never come between us.”

“Yeah, well. Too late for that,” I mutter.

“Look, we’re supposed to see a movie tonight, and I already bought our tickets.” She flutters her eyelashes, smiles, and clasps her hands. “Pretty pretty please.”

I can’t help but reluctantly smile at her silliness, though I still feel irritation simmering below the surface. “Will you agree to try to give him at least a fair chance? For my sake? You’re my best friend, and it sucks that I can’t talk to you about him.”

“I will, I promise. I will keep an open mind.”

“I guess I’ll stay since you asked so nicely,” I agree hesitantly. “But you’re buying the popcorn.”

“Deal,” Lana says.

“And candy.”