Page 146 of Best Friends for Never

Is it true he could love me now? Is that what I want?

Yes.More than anything, because I love him too. So much more than I ever thought I could.

“Look, if you want to go, go. I can take care of our business. You can work remotely and fly back here when needed. We could even expand into LA—there’s plenty to renovate there too. So don’t let that stop you from making a decision. But don’t let your fear stop you either. There’s no point in spending your life just coasting by when you can spend it happy—like truly happy—and with someone who loves you as much as you love them. Just be happy, Park, okay? Let your fear go and be happy.”

Fear—the ugliest F-word of all. It’s held me back for far too long, and I’m tired of it.

I’ve shut down the idea of living in LA so many times, but has my judgment really been fair? I don’t truly know I can’t handle it. I’ve just assumed so much about a potential life there because I’ve been terrified of getting hurt again. Sure, I know there are plenty of aspects of it I won’t like—such as the paparazzi and everyone being in my business—but is that really such a bad trade-off when it means a life with Noel?

Axel is right. Maybe I need to shove my fear aside and find my happy.

And right now, my happy is in LA.

I shove from my stool, digging into my purse and tossing cash on the bar top for Garth.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Axel says. “What are you doing?”

“Leaving.”

“Leaving? What? Why?”

“Because I have a flight to book.”

Slowly, a smile spreads across his lips, and he nods. “There she is.”

“Who?”

“My best friend.”

I launch myself into his arms, letting his warmth envelop me.

“You called me your best friend,” I whisper, hugging him tightly.

“Shut up,” he says, squeezing me back just as hard.

I laugh, pulling away. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be gone. Are you sure ... are you sure you can handle everything? Ordering the right supplies and putting everything where it needs to go?”

He rolls his eyes. “Mess up a paint color one time ...”

“Three times, Axel. Three times.”

“Just go before I revoke the status of our friendship.”

I let out a squeak, and he laughs. “I’ll call you.”

“Please don’t.”

I throw my arms around him again, kissing his rosy cheek. “I love you,soulmate.”

“Love you too ...best friend.”

“Shit. Fuck.”

I sit straight up in bed, my heart pounding like I just ran a mile.

I glance at the clock. It’s 3:00 a.m.

I have an alarm set to go off in two hours so I can drive to the airport for my flight to California.

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