The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister(24)

What choice do I have? “I can’t think of any other negatives,” I conceded. “I think you should go for it, see what happens, and we’ll figure it out if you get it.”

He let out a huge sigh. “You have no idea how happy this makes me. I suspected you’d approve once we worked out the pros and cons, but I didn’t want to apply until we’d had a chance to talk.”

“Thank you for waiting to clear it with me.”

He beamed. “The weather in Cali is amazing, Laney. We could have so much fun on the weekends, exploring the Pacific Coast. There are so many geological wonders out there. I know that’s your thing.” He smiled.

“Yeah,” I muttered.

If only geology were my thing lately. My thing as of late was far more dangerous.

***

Since Warren and I had spent Friday night together after I arrived and all day today, I went over to see my parents after having dinner with him this evening. My mom had made a special lemon dessert for me, and since Warren had said he was behind on some work, I planned to spend the night here in my old room, snuggling with Bully, Ryan’s old dog. Mom and Dad were thrilled to have me all to themselves.

My mother poured hot water into my mug of Darjeeling tea. “I really miss having you around, Laney. I know you’re not that far away, but it’s been hard not being able to just pop over to your apartment whenever I want for a quick coffee chat. It’ll be nice to have you back in a few months.”

Interesting timing for that statement. I sighed. “I know.”

Over dessert and tea, I filled them in on the bomb Warren had dropped during dinner.

The creases in my mother’s forehead grew prominent as she took it all in. “This is not welcome news. Can I be selfish and admit that I don’t want him taking my baby away?”

My dad turned to her. “Jean, if they’re getting married, she has to go where he goes. It wouldn’t kill us to go out there and visit her, if she has to move. Don’t make her feel guilty.”

Mom frowned. “That’s a very old-fashioned way of thinking, Bill. Laney has an important job, too. She doesn’t have to go where he goes. Why can’t he stay where her job is?”

“Actually…” I sighed. “My grant only runs for six months to do the initial research. After that, I have to figure out what I’m doing or make a new proposal. So I’m not really tied down. And the timing sort of works because Warren wouldn’t start the position for six months.”

“Of course it’s a decision they should make together,” Dad piped in. “That’s not what I meant. You’re just arguing against anything I say that might support Laney moving because you don’t want her to move.”

“I’m sorry. Maybe I am, but I can’t help how I feel. I know Laney is a strong, independent woman. She has a right to live wherever she wants. But she’s my best friend. I love her company and would hate to not have her near us.”

I placed my hand on hers. “I know, Mom. There’s no part of me that wants to move that far away, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him no. Warren works so damn hard and deserves this opportunity.”

“Well…” She smiled. “I guess we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love. But is it okay if I secretly pray he doesn’t get the job?”

“You’re totally allowed. I’ll be over here doing the same.” I stuffed my mouth with dessert, though there wasn’t enough lemon tart in the world to make me feel better tonight.

Melancholy continued to haunt me all through our tea time. Maybe I was jumping the gun, but I felt like Warren was going to get this position. His intelligence and hard work knew no bounds. And with his contacts, he had this job in the bag. I felt sick.

Then my phone chimed, interrupting my thoughts.

I looked down to find a text from Holden. It included a photo of him holding up a drink at a bar.

Holden: Having a vodka cranberry in your honor. Your drunk ass is missing out.

Lala: I take it that’s the actual alcoholic version and not one of the Shirley Temples you scammed me with?

Holden: Only your lightweight ass could get drunk off a placebo effect. And it’s called protecting, not scamming. But no Shirley Temple for me. This is the real deal.

Lala: Where are you?

Holden: We’re about to play in a bit. Just a small bar in the city. Not as big a gig as the one you saw.

Lala: Aw. Well, I wish I could be there. That still sounds like fun.

The three dots moved around as he typed.

Holden: I wish you were here, too.

My heart fluttered. Stop.

“What on Earth has you smiling like that?” my mother asked.

My hand jerked, and the phone slipped out of my grip. I picked it up and turned it face down. Jesus. I hadn’t even realized I was smiling.

“Nothing.”

“Was that Warren?”

Damn it. I’d never been able to lie to my mother. She could always see through me. This time would be no different.

I swallowed. “No, actually. It’s…Holden.”

My father’s eyes widened. “Holden Catalano?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Why is he texting you?” my mother asked.

“He just texted me a funny photo.”

“A photo of what?”