I nodded, knowing she spoke from experience.
“I know, but…” I huffed. “I’m scared.”
“Were you scared when you started your business?” Juliana asked.
I nodded. “Absolutely. I was spending so much money with no guarantee of success.”
“And did the risk pay off?” she asked.
“Yes, but—”
“And would you have regretted it if you hadn’t tried? Even if you hadn’t found the success you have?”
I considered it a moment before answering, “Yes.”
“Don’t live with regrets. Trust me.” She met my eyes, imploring me to listen.
“It’s a new year,” Harper said. “Embrace some change, even if it’s scary.”
She made a good point. Besides, did I really want to continue down the path I’d been on? Where had it gotten me? Successful, but alone.
“I will talk to Hunter,if…” I glanced between them. “You’ll both do something that scares you too. We’re in this together.”
“Like what?” Harper asked. “I’ve already been skydiving and eaten plenty of weird food.”
I laughed. “No. I had something else in mind. Harper—” I grabbed her hand. “The next time you’re traveling for work, I want you to find the hottest guy you can and offer to buy him a drink. See where it leads.” I waggled my eyebrows, which made her laugh.
“I think I can manage that.”
“Juliana—” I turned to her, placing my hand over hers as well. “I know you’ve had a rough year, but I want you to put yourself out there. I want you to at least go on a date.”
She nodded. “You’re right. I know you’re right.”
We squeezed each other’s hands, and instead of the dread or fear I’d expected, I felt hopeful. Excited. And not just for me, but for my friends.
“Well,” Juliana said after I’d released their hands. “What are you waiting for?”
I furrowed my brows. “You want me to tell him now?”
Harper and Juliana nodded in unison.
“But he’s in New York,” I said, scrambling for an excuse. When they’d encouraged me to do it, I didn’t think they’d meant right now.
“So? He’s probably still up partying,” Harper said. “Do it. Do it. Do it,” she chanted.
Juliana joined in, and they banged their fists on the table. Despite the loud music, people were starting to stare.
“Okay. Okay.” I pulled my phone out of my purse. “I’ll do it.”
With my thumbs poised over the phone, I debated what to type. I tapped out a simple message, took a few deep breaths, and then saidfuck it.
Me:I miss you.
“There,”I said, hitting send as a jolt of adrenaline shot through me.
“Way to go!” Juliana said.
“I’m so proud of you,” Harper added, and I knew she meant it.
