Page 36 of Flawless Foundations

"So, how's things with you and Levi?" Emmy asks before taking a bite of her Fagioli soup. I swear, if we were back home, she'd be shoving garlic bread in that soup, or better yet, a grilled cheese.

"Things are wonderful, actually. It's crazy, I've never had a relationship like this before." I take a sip of wine.

"Like what?" she asks.

"Grown-up. This relationship feels so different. It feels like I've known him for twenty years." I cover my heart with my hand.

"Well, technically, it's been more like fifteen." She chuckles.

I roll my eyes playfully. "That's not what I meant. We just click and even though we spent a better part of eight years annoyed with each other..."

Emmy cuts in, "Actually, you were the one annoyed with him. I don't believe Levi had a clue you guys were on bad terms, though he did push your buttons a lot."

I shake my head. "Anyway, I'm just saying that this feels... mature. And," I hesitate, then just go for it, "I'm falling in love with him."

She narrows her eyes. "You've always been in love with him."

I wave my hand in dismissal. "Meh, this love is different, it's real. And I think it's reciprocated."

Something flashes across her face, and I'm unable to detect it before she smiles softly. "I'm really happy to hear that, Bex."

"Actually," I pause, how's she going to take this, I wonder. "He asked me to move in with him." I shrug like it's not a big deal.

Her eyes nearly bulge from her head. "Really? When? What did you say?"

"Yeah, two weeks ago, and I said yes," I answer in order.

"So, it's a done deal? What are you going to do with the apartment? Have you thought this through? It's really soon, isn't it?" she asks in a flurry.

"Uh, I mean, I can always change my mind, but I don't want to." My forehead creases, this is not what I was expecting. "I was going to rent out my place, maybe make a buck or two off it. And yeah, it's soon, but we've been together for nearly two months; when you know, you know. And I'm ready for that next step."

She looks perturbed, and I start to get uneasy. "Is there a reason why you don't love this news?" I bite my lip in concern.

Her eyebrows draw together before she speaks, she focuses on a spot on the table, clearly thinking before she speaks. When she does, she looks at me, and her features soften. "I love you dearly, you're my best friend, and I love my brother, and I just don't want to see anyone get hurt. I'm so happy the two of you are together, really. I couldn't think of a better person for him. I think you can do better." She winks playfully. "I just don't want you guys getting caught up and carried away in this new love and then find yourselves broken and sad."

I smile at her, this is the reason she's my person, always trying to look out for me. "Thank you for looking out for us both, but I think we are going to be fine. I think this is it, for the both of us, Emmy. I really think he's the one," I tell her honestly. She chews on my words for a moment and nods, accepting my decision.

After that, we move the conversation toward other topics. When I hear my phone buzz with a text. I lean over and dig it out of my purse. It's a text from Levi.

Levi:can I stop by? OMW home from the office.

Me:It's seven on a Friday, crazy day, yeah?

Me:I'm actually out with Emmy. Girls night. I can text you when I get home, it might be late though.

Levi:K. I'll be up.

Smiling down at my phone, I put it back in my purse. When I look up, Emmy's watching me from across the table.

"Let me guess, was that my sweet, big brother?" She smiles.

"It was, he's just now on his way home from work. He's a workaholic, that one." I chuckle. She studies me.

"How's Levi been with work? Is he super busy? Stressed out more than usual?” Emmy asks casually.

"Yeah, busy for sure. Stressed? Not any more than normal." I look at her, and her eyebrows raise at my answer as if that surprises her. "Why do you ask?" I question.

"Oh, no reason, just know things are getting hectic with my father retiring. They haven't named a CEO yet." She takes a bite of garlic bread.

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