I freeze. Even though I spent so long avoiding news of Josh, I still caught the odd glimpse of him on the news and I’ve seen him on red carpets at award ceremonies. I never thought about that being a part of his life. There’s so much that comes with being his partner, and it’s terrifying and exciting all at once.

“You never even thought about that, did you? When you move to be with him, and I’m positive you will, I’m sure you won’t be sitting around some mansion all day mooning after him while he works.”

I sigh, pulling away from her and sitting at the table. “I guess I knew how different our lives really were when we were in Hawaii. It’s like a whole new world.”

She nods. “Very different from this place.”

“I just feel so lost. Ever since we came here and started the diner, I’ve known what I wanted. Now he’s gone and thrown a big spanner in the works.”

Pania shrugs. She pulls out the next chair at the table and sits beside me. “This is a huge opportunity for you, Delaney. Josh is following his dream, and maybe you can go to LA and grow your own. I’m sure he’d back you.”

“I know he would.” Knitting my fingers together, I squeeze them. “But I keep coming back to how we built this place from nothing. Gran’s money started us off, but this diner has been a success because we worked hard. It feels like cheating if Josh funds a business over there.”

“You’re his partner and he loves you. What’s his is yours. And what’s yours is yours. Isn’t that how it goes?” She laughs, placing her hand on mine. “You’ve been distracted from the moment he left. Go and claim that life you should have always had. We can find a manager for the diner, or …”

“I sell it.”

She nods. “Whichever you decide, I’m right behind you.”

I meet her gaze, and see nothing but affection from my best friend. We’ve done everything together these past few years, which has made me super protective of her. We rise or we fail together.

We both need to choose to rise.

“Go home and have a think. I’ll take over the cooking today, and then maybe we can meet up tonight for dinner and talk about it?”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure I don’t want any more burnt meals because you’re distracted.” She smiles. “I’ve got your back. Always.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now get out of here so I can get this kitchen re-organised.”

I grimace. “Sorry.”

“No harm done. I’ll take care of it.”

I get to my feet. “Come over tonight around seven?”

She nods. “I’ll be there.”

* * *