“You seem happier too,” she observes, her voice lowering. “After you broke up with what’s-his-name, we were a little worried.”

“We? Like who?”

“All of us. Your last relationship was pretty…”

“Toxic?” I supply for her.

“Yes. Toxic.” She nods. “You were kind of grumpy too. Very down on love.”

More like down on life in general, but I don’t bother correcting her. “I was going through a rough time.”

“I know. And now you seem happy. We can all tell your mood is lighter,” she says.

“I feel lighter.” I send a quick glance in Isaac’s direction. “He’s partially responsible for it.”

“Isn’t that wonderful?” Candice beams.

“You guys helped me too,” I tell her, and when she frowns slightly, I explain further. “You and the rest of the girls. My friends.”

Her expression softens. “We’ve always been here for you, Amelia. Even when you tried to push us away.”

“I tried to push you away?”

She nods. “Definitely. I’m guessing it was because your relationship was falling apart and you didn’t want to admit it. To us or to yourself.”

Candice is right. I’d been unhappy with myself for a long time. A lot of that had to do with me hanging on to a failing relationship far beyond its expiration date. That wasn’t healthy. Neither was the constant fighting with Joe. He started to make me question all of my life choices. Not just our relationship, but also what I was doing with my life. Including working at the jewelry store.

I’ve realized this holiday season that I’m actually enjoying my job. The hustle and bustle and the constant stream of customers coming in every day. Assisting those customers in their quest to find that perfect gift for their loved ones. Helping my mother set up the store displays, which we change on a weekly basis. Coming up with new marketing ideas with Palmer, pleased when he agrees with my suggestions. Instead of dreading going to work every day, I wake up early and eager to get to the store. My change in mood has also improved my relationship with my family.

I don’t think that’s all because of Isaac, though he’s certainly brought joy into my life in such a short time. I firmly believe that I’ve brought joy into my life as well. After finally ending things with Joe, my eyes were opened. I came to the realization that I’m worth something. I deserved happiness. I didn’t need to feel miserable and sad all the time.

God, being in a horrible relationship can really mess a person up.

“You’re so right,” I admit. “I was suffering, and I was trying to hide it, though I don’t think I did a very good job. It’s embarrassing to realize you’ve devoted so much time and energy to someone, only for it to fall completely apart. You don’t want to give up on it, even when you know you should.”

“Well, look at you now,” she says brightly. “You’re so much happier. Maybe you had to go through the hard stuff first before you could truly appreciate yourself.”