Page 3 of Some Things Never Change

I shrugged. “No, not anytime soon. I’m going to be too preoccupied with moving and settling in Santa Mariana to really care about dating again.”

Andy’s face morphed as his hazel green eyes twinkled. “You got the job?” His breath almost hitched in excitement. I could practically see his tail wag.

“Yeah. I found out the other day, but I wanted to tell you in person.”

Ever since my breakup with David, I had been wanting a change of scenery. I loved San Ignacio, one of the biggest cities in Northern California, but I haven’t been feeling the same for it lately. Maybe it was because all my friends have moved out of that city. Or, I was just tired of the cold and foggy summers.

I wanted a change, so I started applying for jobs in Santa Mariana, the third largest city in the nation after Los Angeles, and also where Andy has resided since college in Southern California. I did so a month ago, and here I am now, announcing my new job.

I’m not sure how, but I lost myself along the way while living in San Ignacio. I loved it at first, especially as a college student. But, after years of living in tight spaces, barely having friends, and jumping from one bland romantic relationship into another and finally into this recent toxic one, it was more than enough for me. I was tired and lonely. I just wasn’t content with my job or my life there anymore.

“That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you, Tink. It’s about time you made a big change in your life.”

Andy’s face was beaming with excitement. I couldn’t help but smile at his words. He had always been my biggest cheerleader, even when I wasn’t sure of myself. This was one thing I appreciated the most about him.

“Thanks, Andy. I’m really excited about it, too.”

“I knew you’d get it! When are you moving?”

“I told them I could start in four weeks since I still have to hunt for an apartment.”

“That’s going to come up quick. You’re really going all in, huh?”

“I figure if I’m going to make a change, I might as well go all in and not look back. Besides, I’m excited about the warm weather and the beaches.”

“Need help with the move and drive down?”

I gave him a weak smile. “I was actually thinking about asking Jonathan, since his schedule is a little more flexible than the rest of us.”

Andy shook his head at me. “You know you can always ask me, right? I haven’t really taken time off since June, so I doubt the higher ups will really say anything. Also, want to know a little secret?”

The way he wiggled his eyebrows made me curious. “What?”

He leaned in a little closer, as if this was confidential. “My manager plays favorites, and I’m one of them.”

I rolled my eyes dramatically at him. “I’m not even surprised. You and Anthony were always everyone’s favorite.”

“We weren’t.” Andy shook his head and let out a booming laugh.

“You both were.”

“No, we weren’t.”

“Yes, you two were.”

It was nice to have a conversation with him in person. We talked once in a while over the phone, but it was always better when we were in person. I loved feeling the energy and emotions radiating off of Andy whenever we talked.

He was about to speak up when our families’ laughter from the living room interrupted him. The loudest was Anthony, unsurprisingly. Andy glanced over his shoulder to the hallway leading back to the living room and then back at me.

“Why don’t we take this out to the back patio? There’s something I want to say to you in private anyway.”

“Wait, let me go grab my jacket first.”

“Just use mine.”

Andy quickly walked over to grab the jacket hanging on a chair by his parent’s breakfast nook.

“You sure?”

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