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“This is where Chase and I met.”
“After you flung the soda bottle across the room.”
“Because you made me drop it.”
She smiled. “You’re welcome.”
I rolled my eyes, but could not fight the grin on my face.
“Where do you think Claire went?”
“Don’t know. Don’t care.” I shoved a forkful of rice into my mouth, my smile vanishing.
“Your whole I don’t care thing is so old.”
“It’s not a thing. I truly don’t care where she is, or why she left, or how she feels. She could drop dead and I wouldn’t bat an eye. Why should I waste my time caring about her when she clearly doesn’t give a crap about me?”
Shelly sighed. “You always care, Merr. You say you don’t care, but you do. You would be cold-hearted if you didn’t, and I know you. You’re not cold-hearted. Your mother, your flesh and blood, the woman who gave you life, abandoned you. She created a superstorm of horrible events in your life. Then, when you’re finally happy and everything is calm, BAM! She comes back.”
“Thanks for the recap, Shell. You should be a narrator in a movie.”
“Come on. It’s the most epic slap in the face of all time. There’s no way you’re fine and okay with all of this, no matter how much sarcasm you slather on top of it.”
I placed my hand on my chest for dramatic effect. “Me? Using sarcasm to cover up my real emotions? I’m offended you would imply such a thing!”
She tossed a fried noodle at me. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
I grinned triumphantly. “Thank you.”
“That wasn’t a compliment, you freak. So, when are you going to tell Chase that you’re going to California?”
“If I’m impossible, then you’re relentless!” I tossed the fried noodle back at her. “I’m still considering my options.”
“Look. I know I’ve been giving you a hard time, and I know I’m selfish because I don’t want you to leave me… but accompanying the love of your life so he can fulfill his dreams is the right thing to do. We both know he would follow you to the ends of the earth if the situation was reversed. This is the one and only time you’re going to hear me say this, so take it for what it’s worth.”
I exhaled as I looked into her light blue eyes. “Thanks, Shell. I appreciate it. I guess I’m just scared to be out there on the other side of the country all alone.”
“You won’t be alone. You’ll have Chase.”
“I know, but he’ll be busy. What will I be doing?”
“You could get a job. Maybe there will be a car shop nearby that’s hiring.”
“Chase Brooks, the famous rock star, and his mechanic girlfriend.” I grimaced. “Sounds like a match made in heaven.”
“You are my match made in heaven,” said a deep voice from behind me. Chase pulled a chair next to mine and sat. He leaned in for a lingering kiss. “And don’t you ever forget it.”
Brody took the seat next to Shelly and gave me a wink.
Shelly let out an exaggerated breath and hung her head. “We’ve been together since kindergarten. What am I going to do without my best friend?”
“You two can FaceTime whenever you want,” Brody suggested. “I’m sure they will come back and visit, and we can take a vacation out there. I’ve always wanted to go to California.”
“Does this mean we’re going to California?” Chase carefully asked.
Looking into his expectant eyes, I knew in my heart there was only one answer to his question. “I guess we should start packing.”
Shelly groaned and thumped her head down onto the table.
