“Nichole, emotions were high for everyone. There is no need to apologize, but I do need you to know that no matter what, I will always need you. I’m not replacing you.”

“I know.” She takes a sip of her coffee. “We’re growing up, and I think that’s tough for me because it’s clear we want different things. You’re ready to settle down and be with someone, and I’m not.”

“Yes, things are different, but Ryot is still out of town a lot during the season, which gives us plenty of time to catch up. I know the winter was tough because I hung out a lot with Ryot, but I’ll be better at making sure to make time for you.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m not so pathetic that I need you all the time. I just . . .” She smirks and shakes her head. “God, I’m going to miss my wing-woman. It’s not like I can take you to random men’s houses anymore and have you wait for me.”

I cringe. “Doubtful Ryot would be happy about that.”

“He’d be furious.” She sets down her mug and puts her arms around me. “I’m happy for you.”

“You are?” I ask, returning the hug.

“Yes. He loves you, cares for you, and is willing to cut people for you. That’s all we could ask for, right?”

I chuckle. “Especially the cutting.”

She releases me and says, “What’s the point of dating anyone if they’re not willing to slash some things on your behalf?”

“No point at all.”

Chapter Twenty-One

MYLA

Present day . . .

Nichole: How’s it going?

I stare down at where Ryot’s head is resting on my lap, and I stroke his hair before texting Nichole back.

Myla: Currently poolside, under a rented cabana, and lounging on one of those oversized loungers while Ryot takes a nap on my lap. So . . . pretty good and, before you get all crazy with questions, we’re just taking it one moment at a time.

Nichole: One moment at a time. I think that’s smart, but set that aside and tell me how you really feel.

Of course, Nichole wouldn’t let me get away with an answer like that. It was worth the try, though.

Myla: I’m just enjoying being near him again, the Ryot I fell in love with many years ago. We’ve had some intense conversations. They haven’t fixed anything, but they’ve helped us open up, and I think that’s what we’ve been missing.

Nichole: From what I’ve seen, it’s easy to become complacent and skip over those hard conversations, even in friendships like ours. I’m glad you’re getting time to talk to him.

I drag my hand over his hair and sigh. I feel the need to keep him close, to keep touching him, because, at the end of this, I’m not sure what will happen. I can only hope that I’m not hurt again.

Myla: Tomorrow is the wedding, and then after that, we leave, so it’s only two more days. I’m getting nervous.