Page 168 of Chasing Hope

“Sounds perfect!” Kalani says. “I don’t start work until next week so that gives me plenty of time to mope about jet lag beforehand.”

We all chuckle at that.

Checking the time on my phone, I wince. “I hate to cut this short but I really have to go or I’ll be late, but it was so wonderful to finally meet you.”

“And you too. Excited for tomorrow night!” Kalani says, giving me a warm smile.

“Same here. Bombard me with photos and videos tonight!” I call out, walking backward in the direction of my car.

Angel points at me wickedly. “Back atcha, chickie. Send me videos of the hot sweaty men!”

“Specifically that hot brother of yours!” Tristan adds, fanning himself.

I roll my eyes, but pause as I remember something. “I almost forgot! I’m having a birthday dinner this Sunday night and I’d love for you to all come.”

Angel’s eyes widen. “It’s your birthday? Why didn’t you tell us?”

I’ve always dreaded birthdays and now I know why. Now that I remember.

Quickly shaking off the thought, I take a deep breath, grounding myself and swatting away the emotions. “Sorry, I’m not that big of a birthday person. I’ll text you the details.”

“Fuck yes we’ll be there,” Tristan announces.

“Should we catch up for breakfast instead then? Cancel drinks if we’re going to do a dinner this week?” Kalani suggests.

I nod. “Sounds good to me. I’m excited for you to meet the other girls as well.”

“And the hockey men!” Angel teases.

“Trust me, plenty of fuck boys for you to play with.” I give one final wave before turning and making my way to the parking lot, and the whole way there, I find I can’t stop smiling.Commuters on their way home pass by giving me quizzical expressions, but despite it, I can’t force myself to stop.

I’m happy.

Really, truly happy.

If I told myself a year ago I would be where I am today, I’d be in awe.

Working a job I adore and love, one that makes me feel like I’m making a difference, like I have a purpose in this life.

Making new friends, and not just ones that pretend. True genuine friendships that fill my cup and heart, ones that make me walk away with a smile on my face instead of anxiety.

Then there’s Matteo.

My beautiful, handsome, kind, caring Matteo.

Boyfriend isn’t the right term for him, isn’t a big enough word to express what pounds through my heart when we’re together. It’s otherworldly, larger than life, all-consuming.

I’ve been swept into the whirlwind that is Matteo Valenti and I never want to come up for air.

He’s everything for me.

My best friend.

My adventure partner.

The first person I want to turn to when things get hard and the first person I want to celebrate with when things go right.

With the way he’s helped me through this healing journey, he deserves every ounce of love I send his way. He’s so incredibly patient it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.