Page 67 of Love on Ice

“Ever since breaking up with Josh, my life feels like it’s spinning out of control. That everyone else has control over my life except me,” I confess to her.

“Babe, I had no idea. You don’t always have to be strong,” Kimmy reassures me.

“Why would I burden you when you’re dealing with Camryn being away? Issy is still grieving her father. Sam is Sam.”

“It doesn’t matter what is going on in my life, I’m one of your closest friends. I love you. I will always be there for you,” she says, squeezing me tightly.

“Thank you, I’m sorry.”

“You never have to apologize to me. So, what are you going to do?” she asks.

“Felix and I agreed we would date for the summer. He’s free to help me out until then. We can then quietly break up once he starts the season, you know, totally different lives.”

“And you don’t think there’s any chance of you two falling for each other during all this?” Kimmy asks.

“No. He’s seven years younger than me.”

“So?”

“We are at different stages of our lives. Mom thinks I should entertain the thought of having a baby by myself. She alsodid suggest asking Felix for his sperm but that isn’t going to happen.”

“You would have a baby by yourself?” Kimmy seems surprised.

“My history with men has been dismal. Also, who wants baby daddy problems? I could have a child, and I wouldn’t have to worry about some asshole wanting to take the baby from me, sharing my weekends, or dealing with evil stepmothers,” I explain to her.

“Wow. Sounds like you’ve been giving this some thought.”

“Maybe, a little. I’m still holding out hope on falling in love and getting married, but I’m also not getting any younger.”

“Thirty-four isn’t that old.”

“But my eggs probably are.” I sigh.

“Have you gone and had them checked?” she asks.

I shake my head. “Honestly, I’m scared. What happens if I go, and my eggs are cooked.”

“If this is something you want to do then I’ll come with you. Maybe I can get mine checked, it’s probably good to know if there is a looming deadline.”

“You would come with me?”

“Of course. We could drag Issy along, too. Make it a girls’ day.” She giggles.

“Thanks,” I say, hugging her back.

“Anytime. Also, just be careful this summer because it’s not only your heart on the line,” Kimberly warns.

“What do you mean?”

“Are you telling me you haven’t noticed the way Felix looks at you?” Kimberly asks. I shake my head. “That boy has a crush on you.”

“No.”

“What man signs up to fake date someone with no benefits included in the deal?” Kimberly suggests.

“Like you said, he’s a nice guy.”

“He is. But I think you might have made more of an impression on him in Paradise than you think,” she teases.

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