Page 79 of The Risks of Reuniting

"Assuming I get a transfer, there is a chance the academics don't line up and I have to extend a bit to catch up," he replies.

"What do you like about North Carolina?" I ask.

He squeezes my fingers and huffs out a laugh. "I have no idea," he replies. "I'm so busy with school that I'm mostly on campus and doing school work on weekends. When I'm not at school, I'm in the gym working off frustrations and southern cooking. The area is pretty, really green. Campus is lively."

"What wouldIlike about living there?" I tease.

"Me," he replies, and stops us again. This time he releases my hand and wraps his arms around my lower back, resting his hands there as he hugs me lightly. "Seriously, the biggest pro is that I'm there. Everything else might be a con for all I know. I'm pretty sure they have a Costco somewhere nearby though."

I laugh and put my hands lightly around his neck. "And the biggest con to Salt Lake is that you're not here?"

"I'd like to think so." He grins. "Have you found out anything about licensing requirements if you move?" he asks with the same gentle touch I've been using. It's obvious we're both trying real hard to be on our best behavior here. "Or how Allie would feel about taking a roommate?"

"Only what I've found online. I'd definitely have to get re-licensed, but I'm not sure if that means a simple exam and fee, or working there for a time first. Nothing is really clear, and I haven't had luck reaching anyone on the phone. Allie is open to figuring things out, once we do."

He sighs and presses his forehead against mine. "Ah, here we stand, without any clear answers. It's the most fun thing ever."

I tip my head to kiss his chin and let go, slipping my arm through his as we turn back toward my place.

"We have one thing that's clear," I say. "We're going to grill some dinner and watch some trash TV. You in?"

He runs his free hand through his hair and nods. "How trashy?"

"Don't mention it to your mom."

"Yeah. I'm in."

I smile. "Now, tell me all about your internship, and leave nothing out."

"I think I want to go with Holt to North Carolina," I tell my cousin Lucy over the phone two days later. I've called her to ask where Allie and I can streamAnne of Green Gables.I know she'll know, because she loves that series with her whole heart, and rewatches it regularly. "I'm ready." It's the first time I've said it out loud.

"Ooh," Lucy squeals, and I can imagine her clapping her hands together, her red hair shining around her beautiful face. A face she used to draw fake freckles on so that she could look more like Anne herself. "You know, it's sort of like how Gilbert gives up his teaching position in Avonlea so that Anne can be close to Marilla. He puts her needs over his own. Super swoon."

I laugh. "I really am so selfless right now."

"You two have really been on a roller-coaster. Will they, won't they, separated, together. I need a bucket of popcorn for the show." She chuckles. "Have you told him yet?" she asks.

"No. I need to, but I had a pickleball date with Gavin last night and missed my chance to see him in person. I think this is in-person news," I respond.

"Definitely. That way you can avoid miscommunication," she states. See? Banging that miscommunication drum again.

"Exactly," I reply. "I do listen to your warnings."

"How was pickleball? I haven't seen Gavin in a while."

I sigh. "It was . . . a lot."

"How so?"

"Did you know he's dating someone?"

"What? I thought he had sworn off women."

"Me too." I laugh, sitting down on my bed to get comfy for this story. "So I'm at the park to meet him and he pulls up wearing a tracksuit, with his dark hair tinted with highlights, and this cute girl by his side."

"He dyed his hair and was wearing a tracksuit?" Lucy laughs.

"Yes, with stripes up the leg and everything. The guy is not a retired man in his seventies, so I obviously gave him some guff about that. Don't get me started on his highlights. It was giving Backstreet Boys and I nearly collapsed at the sight. Anyhow, he introduces me to this girl – her name is Alisha – and she cracks some joke about how Gavin paid her dad in unlimited drain cleaning if he could court her, and now they've been dating for a bit."

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