There were three moving trucks outside and for a moment I stared at them wondering why we needed three.

Then I remembered; they weren’t for me.

Sterling wandered through the living room and gazed at me almost balefully, but I turned my back deliberately to discourage conversation.

It didn’t stop her.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” she whined, and I chewed on the insides of my cheeks. “You’re so selfish!”

I tossed her a look over my shoulder and shrugged nonchalant.

“Selfish it is,” I agreed. It was easier to concede her points than argue with her after all.

In a few hours they would all be gone, and my house would be mine again after years of sharing it with anyone who wanted it or needed it.

“Can’t we just stay for –”

“No, you can’t,” I interrupted shortly. “You and Luke have to be out just like everyone else. You have had two months to prepare for this.”

“This is insane, Mal. You’re going to miss us when we’re gone and we’re not coming back!”

I knew there was some truth to her words.

I likely would miss her annoying, squirrel-like face and silly chirping. She and Luke had been in my house since the start.

I suppose that was also the reason that they had to go the most.

Reminders of what this house once was will not help me.

There had been some thought toward selling it, but it was still worth something and I did love the creaky old place with its wainscoting and original woodwork.

No. I can start new on an old foundation. It happens all the time. Same framework, different furnishings, I thought, smiling to myself.

“I’m glad this is so amusing to you!” Sterling screamed in frustration, but I didn’t flinch.

Her outbursts were old news to me.

I watched as she stormed out into the yard, flapping her arms like some rabid bird as she complained to Luke who stood listening impassively.

They really were a couple I would never understand.

But they worked.

Like Slade and Maya I suppose. Opposites attract as they say.

As hearing my thoughts, the back door opened, and I heard Maya’s voice call out to me.

“Hey? You home?”

“In the front room,” I replied, my voice echoing through the near empty ground floor.

Chase and Trixie had left the previous day.

That meant it was only Sterling, Luke and Chanel left to go.

If Sterling and Luke ever left.

“What are you doing?” Maya asked as she sauntered in, looking around at the barren space.

“Watching Sterling throw a fit,” I replied, grinning.

I did a double take as my eyes fell on her.

“You’re wearing a business suit,” I commented, unsure of how I felt about it. She looked beautiful as always, but the attire was so unlike anything I had ever seen her in.

Maya laughed and threw her head back.

“Apparently running a business means I am supposed to look professional; even if it is a doggy hotel and daycare.”

“Well you look great,” I insisted, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “How is Slade liking the change of pace?”

Maya shrugged.

“He doesn’t look like he’s about to fall into the throes of cardiac arrest every day so that’s something. And Rocco loves it. Happy dog, happy honey I believe the adage goes,” Maya said. “What about you? How are you handling this?”

I nodded amiably.

“This has been a long time coming.”

“Yeah?” she asked, cocking her head to the side. “You sure?”

I studied her face.

“You inspired me to do it,” I explained, and confusion colored her face.

Suddenly she looked shamed.

“Oh Mal, I thought that you and I –”

“No!” I interceded, holding up my hand. “I don’t mean it like that at all. I mean that when you and Slade hooked up, it made me suddenly look around at my life and wonder why I lived the way I did. I used to think it made me happy, but I realized that having people come in and out of my life like this was a way to keep me from feeling lonely since my divorce.”

“Really?” Maya seemed dubious, but I was being truthful.

“I thought of myself as someone who would never fall down the path of love again because it’s too rigid and you’re only setting yourself up for pain – you know the whole spiel better than anyone.”

Maya nodded, still listening.

“I never gave living a shot after my divorce. Don’t get me wrong,” I continued. “I loved my life here with all you guys and the time I spent with you but now…”

I inhaled deeply and smiled serenely.

Maya’s smile widened, and she nodded wisely.

“I know what you mean,” she laughed, grabbing my hands in her and kissing them sweetly. “I am happy if you are happy, Mal.”

“I really am happy,” I said.

The front door opened, and we turned as Cara walked inside.

“Oh! Hi…Maya, right?” she asked.

I lowered my eyes sheepishly as Maya tried to place the chipper redhead.

“I’m so sorry, you are…?”

“Cara. I used to date Troy? We met the night he stalked you over here. I testified at his trial?”

Maya’s face seemed to change six colors in five seconds.

“Of course,” she choked, looking at me. “How nice to see you! And thank you for that…uh, I mean the trial thing.”

“Sure!” Cara said brightly. “I think I always knew there was something wrong with that guy.”

She turned her attention to me as if she had already forgotten about Troy.

“So babe, if most of the stuff is out, can I start unpacking my truck in here now?” she asked.

I nodded quickly, swallowing a smile at Maya’s dazed expression.

“I’ll be out to help in a minute,” I promised her as she turned back to the yard.

“You’re living with Troy’s ex-girlfriend?” she screeched, and I shrugged.

“It just kind of happened,” I muttered.

Maya whooped and jumped into my arms, kissing my cheeks with happiness.

“I am so glad for you both. Make sure you invite us to your housewarming!”

“Only if you invite me to your wedding,” I joked but Maya’s smile faltered slightly as she stared at him.

“Now that you mention it…”

I gaped at her.

“I was kidding! You’re getting married?” I demanded, and she nodded shyly.

“You’ll get your invite in the mail like normal people do I suppose,” she laughed.

I embraced her again and suddenly I realized something important.

There was no pang of desire for the girl whom I had once shared my bed.

I still loved her dearly of course but I saw her as my little sister, my best friend. But not a lover.

“How about that,” I murmured.

“What?”

“We are both exactly where we are supposed to be.”

“Fate always guides the way,” Maya replied. “Even if it needs some helps sometimes.”