Page 52 of A Match Made In Fall

“And then you told me about Austin.” He pauses. “And it hit me how much I missed having you in my life. Especially our friendship.”

A rush of emotions moves through me.

Dexter and I did have a friendship, and we balanced each other well. He was practical when I was chaos. He provided a steady force when I needed grounding. We understood each other in ways that grew over time. But as I look at him sitting across the table from me, that's all I feel. The spark that used to exist between us isn’t here. The anticipation and the exciting feeling that simply being with each other could change the course of my day. And this doesn’t feel the same.

“Dex, I will always value the time we spent together,” I tell him.

He lets out a humorless laugh. “But you moved on, right? With Austin Reed—professional hockey player.”

I purse my lips. Part of me thinks I should explain that Austin and I aren't officially together. Yes, we’ve gone out a few times. And I think it’s safe to say there are feelings there.

But none of this has anything to do with what I need to say.

“Dex, we've been apart for a year. We went our separate ways and lived completely different lives. We experienced our own joys and disappointments.” I pause. “Honestly, a year ago, I wondered if we gave up too soon. If we were having this conversation back then, things might be different.”

His gaze locks on mine, like he’s preparing for what I’m about to say.

“But I don't feel that way anymore,” I admit.

Wow it was easier to say this than I thought it’d be.

“And this isn’t because of Austin,” I add.

He looks down, his fingers still tapping on the cup. “I wondered the same thing after we split up,” he admits quietly. “And while we’re being honest with each other, there was a part of me that felt threatened when you started Ballroom Dance America.”

Well, I guess my mother was right. I hate it when that happens.

“And I'm sorry I made you feel like dancing was more important than you,” I say. “Believe it or not, being forced to rest has given me a lot of clarity. Spending time here with my family has too. I'm starting to recognize mistakes I've made and ways I've prioritized certain aspects of my life over others.”

The corner of his mouth lifts into a half smile. “It’s interesting how clarity works, isn't it? I've had some of that myself. I’ve realized how regimented I am about things going exactly the way I want them to. It’s made me lose sight of what's important.”

This conversation feels good. It’s a year overdue, but maybe neither of us were ready to admit these things before now.

“Dex, dancing is always going to be a part of who I am,” I say. “Whoever is in my life has to understand that.”

“I know.” His expression softens. “And when I heard about your injury, I really did feel awful for you.”

A calm silence falls between us.

“So,” he says after a moment, “when are you going back to LA?”

I laugh softly. “Ah, that’s the question everyone keeps asking me.”

“Well?”

“I think I'm going to stay through Christmas.”

He raises an eyebrow. “And what about Austin? Are you two doing the long-distance thing?”

This question catches me off guard. Obviously, I have no idea how to answer it. Dex is asking based on Austin and I being in a relationship, not after only two dates and a handful of run-ins around town.

“I’m not sure,” I admit with a small laugh. “I guess we’ll see what happens.”

Saying those words out loud sends an unexpected rush of excitement through me. The truth is, I have no idea what the future holds. Maybe Austin and I will keep talking after I leave North Carolina. Or maybe our time together will be brief and only last for these few months. But after the kiss we shared, I’m hoping for more.

Dex reaches across the table and takes my hands.

“Isabella, I meant what I said last year. I want you to be happy.”