Chapter Thirteen
ISABELLA
I’m not sure what’s better—a morning message from Austin or the possibility of getting the all-clear from the doctor tomorrow. As excited as I am to finally move on from this injury, getting a text from Austin is a close second. Maybe even tied for first.
Perfect doesn’t even begin to describe the evening we had together. Especially considering how it started. Dexter’s arrival was completely unexpected, and it's something I know I’ll have to deal with sooner rather than later.
My parents were asleep by the time Austin dropped me off, so I have no idea how the rest of the evening played out after we left.
All I know is that my mom invited Dexter in for coffee.
I’m sure everyone did their best to talk to him, but knowing Dex that won’t be enough.
He’s never been someone who would just leave without putting out all the stops.
If he came all this way, he’s going to want answers directly from me.
Despite his showing up unannounced, Austin finding out about the fake relationship scheme, and everything crumbling around me—the night was still amazing.
More than amazing.
Our first kiss alone would have been enough to make the entire evening unforgettable. And there was more than just one. But nothing compares to the first kiss.
There are no words that adequately describe how it felt.
It all happened so quickly it still seems blurry.
One second we were walking down the street, and the next my boot caught on a crack in the sidewalk.
I started falling, fully prepared to hit the pavement.
And then Austin caught me like a knight in shining armor.
That was all it took, and then he was kissing me.
It happened right there on the sidewalk in the middle of town with plenty of people around to witness it.
But honestly, I couldn't have told you if the street was crowded or empty. It was only the two of us.
And Marlow’s was an absolute blast. The place felt like stepping into another era.
It was a classic soda shop with dancing servers, incredible desserts, and an energy that made everyone in the restaurant instant friends.
And even after all this, the night kept getting better.
First the kiss and then Austin asked me to dance.
It sounds wild, but I think my soul needed that.
For the first time in months, I feel like something is changing.
It’s like I've finally reached the end of a long, dark tunnel and can see the light at the end. And I think I’m emerging as a different person.
When I walk into the kitchen, I find my mom making coffee.
“Morning.”
“Good morning,” she sings. “I expected you to sleep in after your late night.”
I’m sure she wants details, but I have my own questions about last night.
I sit down at the table. “So, what happened with Dexter after we left? How long did he stay?”
“He stayed about an hour,” she says. “It went fine—we told him you’d moved on. Since Austin seemed to go along with it, we didn't tell Dexter anything different.”
I sigh. “What did he say?”
She pours two cups of coffee and joins me at the table.
“Of course he asked how long you'd been seeing each other. We told him things started shortly after you got here. There wasn't any reason to give him specifics.”
“Okay.” I wrap my hands around the mug. “Did he mention leaving town?”
Mom shakes her head. “He just said he’d be here for a few days. I’m sure you’ll hear from him at some point.”
I nod. “Yes, I figured.”
A few seconds pass before she smiles. “So, did you have fun with Austin?”
Leave it to my mom to get right to the point. “I did.”
She doesn’t hold back asking all the questions, and I tell her bits and pieces, carefully leaving out a few details that are just for me and Austin.
“I’m so happy you had a good time,” she says. “Did you make more plans?”
I nod. “Yes, we talked about it.”
She claps and leans over to hug me.
“Okay, we’re going to the craft fair today before the game. So go get ready.”
I groan. I completely forgot about the craft fair.
“Um, I might skip it and try to get this situation with Dexter sorted out.”
Mom frowns. “Are you sure? There's a petting zoo.”
I laugh. Watching Jude interact with baby goats would be adorable, but I don’t want to drag this out. Dexter came here for a reason, and I can’t avoid it.
“I can meet up with you later if you’re still there,” I promise.
This seems to satisfy her. After she heads upstairs to get ready, I pull out my phone and send Elise a text.
The Dexter situation has become dire. Call me when you get this.
That should be dramatic enough to get a quick response from her. Elise loves to watch drama unfold.
I need to tell her that Dexter didn't stop with his phone call to her. He didn't just accept her explanation and move on. He got on a plane and came here to find out for himself. It’s been a year without a single word from him. So why now? The moment I start seeing someone else, he comes crashing back into my life. The timing couldn’t be worse.
While I wait for Elise to respond, I scroll through my contacts until I find Dexter's number.
Before I can overthink it, I press call. He answers after two rings.
“Isabella, hey.”
He sounds genuinely surprised to hear from me.
“Hi, Dexter.”
“I was actually going to text you.” His voice brightens immediately. “I wanted to see if we could meet up.”
I stare out the kitchen window, watching the morning sunlight fall across the backyard. I try to ignore the knot forming in my stomach.
“Yes,” I say quietly. “That’s why I’m calling. We need to talk.”
There’s a brief pause.
“I’m available whenever you are,” he says.
Of course he is. He came here with the intention of seeing me.
“Do you want to meet at Starbucks around eleven?” I ask. “It’s a few minutes from my parents’ house.”
“Sure.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then.”
After ending the call, I continue sipping my coffee deep in thought.
For some reason, I’m nervous about talking to Dexter.
One way or another this conversation needs to happen.
I’m going to tell him I’ve moved on, but not because of Austin.
Moving forward in my life isn’t because of anyone.
When we split up the future I imagined with Dexter was gone.
I closed that part of my life, and I didn’t look back.
Yes, the pain was deep, but it was the right thing.
I take another sip of my coffee, taking my time before I need to get ready for the day.
On a happier note, there’s a Bears game tonight. I’ll be there with my family watching Austin and his team play. I never would’ve thought I’d be so excited to go to a hockey game.
I finish my coffee and head to the bathroom. I’m finishing my makeup when my phone starts ringing.
“Hey, I got your message,” she exclaims. “What happened with Dex?”
“Well, let’s see…” I drag out the anticipation. “He flew all the way to North Carolina and showed up at my parents’ house right as Austin and I were leaving for our first date, just the two of us.”
“Stop. I’m dying.” Her voice jumps an octave. “Are you kidding?”
“Nope.”
“Oh I have so many questions,” she says.
“Dexter brought up Austin and I being in a relationship right in front of him. And naturally I wanted to run and hide.”
“I can’t imagine.” She groans. “What did Austin do?”
A smile forms on my lips. “Believe it or not, he went along with it,” I tell her.
“Seriously?”
“Yes. He didn’t even flinch. Without missing a beat, he jumped right in like we'd rehearsed the whole scene.”
“Wow. How did Dexter react? What did Austin say after you left?”
She’s firing questions at me, barely taking a breath.
“There wasn’t much Dex could say. My mom invited him inside for coffee, and Austin and I left.”
“And?”
“And we went out, and…” I say, stretching out on the bed. “I had one of the best evenings of my life.”
The memories of last night replay instantly. Austin holding my hand, catching me from falling on the sidewalk, and then that kiss. The whole night flashes through my mind like a montage from a romantic movie.
“Wait.” Elise cuts through my daydream. “What does this mean?”
“Um, I’m not sure what you’re asking…we had a really great time,” I reply.
“That’s not what I’m talking about,” she says. “When are you coming back to LA? Remember, your job, your life…none of that is in North Carolina.”
And there it is. The question on everyone’s mind, and it’s a valid question.
“Of course I haven’t forgotten. I’m probably staying through the holidays,” I tell her. “I promised my family I wouldn’t leave right away. And since I won’t be dancing anytime soon, I’m not exactly in a rush to leave.”
“Well,” she teases, “I’m sure hanging out with a hot hockey player helped make the decision a little easier.”
I chew on my lower lip because she’s not wrong.
But the truth is, I made the decision before Austin and I started spending time together.
Being injured forced me to stop, and for the first time in years, I realized how much time I’d missed with the people I love.
I’m here now, and the holidays are around the corner.
I don’t know what’s ahead with my ever-changing career, and it may be a while before I’m back.
“Well, the hot hockey player definitely makes it more fun,” I admit. “But there’s actually a different man I’m staying around for.”
“What?” she squeals. “Another one? Tell me everything.”
I sigh dramatically. “He’s short, chubby, doesn't talk back, and drools all over me.”
This is met with silence.
“Wait.” She starts laughing. “Are you talking about your brother’s baby?”
“I sure am.”
I glance toward the living room where my nephew's toys are piled in the corner.
“He’s adorable. He’s always excited to see me and never argues with anything I say.”
“So he’s basically a dream man,” she replies.
“Exactly.”
We both laugh.