I really needed this,” I admitted, my eyes closed as I soaked in the sun by the pool.

It was Sunday morning. We’d had a great day at the spa the day before, had treated ourselves to a nice dinner, and I’d slept for ten hours. Now, we were enjoying a cocktail and the beautiful weather.

I almost didn’t want to go home … almost.

Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about work, and, of course, Jed.

“What would you guys do, if you were me?” I asked.

“Finally,” Jasmine said.

“This is the conversation I’ve been waiting for,” Laurel added.

“I know, right?” Zoey agreed.

I looked at my friends, then did a quick sweep to make sure no one else was in listening distance.

“Tell us everything,” Jasmine encouraged, so I did.

I told them about Kylie and high school, and how I’d become practically a recluse to hide myself and my feelings. How people always thought I was a cold-hearted bitch, and how I’d longed to come back to Cherry Springs and actually be myself. I told them about seeing Kylie again on Fix it Up, and how we’d both fallen into those old routines. Then, I talked about being with Jed, and how we’d ended things the night of the gallery opening.

When I was done, I ordered another drink, then waited for them to share their thoughts.

“Wow, Rena, that sucks. I had no idea things were so hard for you when you moved. You were always the same Rena whenever you came home to visit … I’m sorry you had to deal with that. Especially that biotch Kylie. Point me at her, and I’ll show her what a real bitch looks like,” Jasmine said, causing me to smile at her ferociousness in my defense.

“So, when you were confronted by Kylie at the gallery, you responded by putting up your defenses, and when Jed was confronted by her, he kind of did the same. But, where you go cold and rigid when you’re backed in a corner, he blows hot and gets vocal … Is that right?” Laurel asked.

I nodded, because what she said made sense. We’d both reacted to Kylie’s taunting, just in opposite ways.

“Yeah, it sounds like you both got upset, and reacted badly. Plus, it was kind of your first fight, right, so you’ve never seen how he reacts when he gets mad, and vice versa. I think moving forward, you need to work on your communication with each other and try and work through how you each deal with adversity,” Zoey said.

“I do love that he called you that same night and admitted he was wrong,” Jasmine said, and the others nodded their agreement. “His reaction was shitty, but at least he was man enough to admit he was wrong, and not go to bed angry.”

“Yeah, that’s a good point,” I admitted. “At first when I saw his name on my screen, I thought he was either going to break things off with me, or wanted to continue the argument, but he completely surprised me. Still, I don’t want to be rash. I really like him, but I don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t trust me.”

“What do you like about him?” Laurel asked, thanking the waiter as he handed her a big pink drink with a pineapple garnish.

“Well,” I began, picturing Jed in my mind. “He’s generous, attentive, creative, and kind. He’s the opposite of the kind of guys I usually date, but in a good way. He isn’t caught up in appearances, or price tags, and he’s seriously gorgeous in a rugged, manly kind of way.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Jasmine said with a wink.

“I love that he gets along so well with you guys, and all of our family. I like that he’s basically made himself into the man he is, with hard work and dedication. And, I like how he makes me feel when we’re together, like I’m not just a pretty face, but a person with worth and substance.”

“It sounds like you really like him,” Zoey said, placing her hand on my arm. “Maybe even love him.”

I sighed.

She was right, but that didn’t make me any less afraid.

“What if he has anger issues, or a crazy temper? What if he doesn’t trust me? What if he hurts me again?”

“What if he turns out to be the love of your life, and father of your children?” Laurel countered.

“I know it’s scary,” Zoey said. “Believe me, I was worried about being with Gabe, too, but if I’d listened to my fears and never got on the plane to come here, look at everything I would’ve missed out on. The truth is, you don’t know what’s going to happen, no one does, but if you don’t give it a chance, nothing will happen.”

“Obviously we like Jed, but we love you, and we’re here for you no matter what you decide. We just want you to think things through completely, before you make a decision.”

I smiled at Jasmine.

“Thanks, Jazzy. I appreciate you all doing this for me … bringing me here and letting me talk things through. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, but it helps having you guys to bounce it all off of.”

“That’s what we’re here for,” Jasmine said. “Take your time, make a pros and cons list, lose yourself in the gallery … You’ll figure out what’s best for you, and we’ll be behind you. One-hundred percent.”

I got a little misty at that, and looked at three of the most important women in my life.

“I love you guys,” I said.

“We love you, too.”