Page 134 of Sit, Stay, Love
Maybe when they had the space to be together, without the spectre of anyone else in their relationship, that would change. But she couldn’t go to Los Angeles because of that. She had to go for her. And even if Toby wasn’t physically there, he’d still be there, because he was a part of who she was.
She sniffed and wiped the dampness from her cheeks.
Her friendship with Toby would never be the same again, and it was as if she’d been punched through the chest and her heart had shattered into a million pieces.
But she’d go to Los Angeles. For herself and for Rose’s Rescue.
‘Come on, Buff. I’ve got a lot to organise.’
She would go to LA because she should. Because she’d made a commitment to help Ethan, and Sera always honoured her commitments.
Ethan was leaving for the US on Friday. The production needed him earlier than originally planned. ‘Urgent wardrobe decisions or something thrilling,’ he said. ‘And I get to meet the dog. She’s already cast.’
‘How do you feel about that?’ Sera asked.
‘Surprisingly good. I think I might be excited!’
She drove him to the airport, and they had one of those airport kisses on the curb as they made their goodbyes.
‘You know, you don’t have to come over so soon.’ He gazed down at her, his fingers linked behind her back. ‘You can take your time. We’re not shooting for another five weeks.’
‘Would you prefer I waited?’ She’d booked her flight for the following Saturday. If she was going to do it, she wanted to do it as quickly as possible.
He kissed her lightly. ‘Are you kidding? I’d love you to be there. I’ll tee up a hotel when I get Stateside, then we’ll find you something more permanent.’
She nodded. ‘Maybe that’ll be with you?’ She smiled and poked him teasingly in the ribs.
He twitched to the side and grinned. ‘That’s what I’m hoping, but there’s no pressure.’
‘I know. And I appreciate it.’
His gaze narrowed. ‘I just want to make sure that you’re sure. Because you can change your mind at any time. I know it’s a big deal and with everything that happened with—’
‘I’m sure,’ she quickly interrupted. ‘I’m committed to this. It’ll be an adventure and I’ll be with you.’
He beamed. ‘We’ll organise the boring contract stuff when you arrive. I can’t wait to show you off at all my favourite LA nightspots.’
‘Oh. Yay. But can we go to Disneyland too?’
He laughed. ‘Baby, we can go wherever you like.’ He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. ‘I’d better go.’
She sighed wistfully. She did like him. She honestly did. Sera reached up and pressed her lips to his. She was doing the right thing. She was definitely doing the right thing.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Five days before Sera was due to leave for Los Angeles, she decided it was time to stop crying about Toby. She’d been crying for nearly a week, constantly thinking she was done, then she’d turn off the lights and his face would fill her mind, and she’d be crying again.Not anymore.
Instead, she shook off her sadness and made a to-do list.
She met with her brand-new accountant, then with Peaceful Slumbers to assure them that her going away would not affect the delivery of content. They excitedly suggested she look into current funeral trends in America, and she’d pressed her lips together and tried not to laugh.
Tia’s new contract was organised, and the young woman gleefully signed it, then called the cafe where she worked the occasional shift and quit. ‘I’ve been wanting to do that for so long,’ Tia said. ‘I hated working there!’
‘And you’ll stay here while I’m away,’ Sera said. ‘Just make the place your own. Alec can stay too, if you like. And then Buffy can be here in her home.’
‘I thought Dr McManus was taking Buffy?’
Sera instantly tensed at his name. ‘I’d prefer her to stay here. Less disruptive.’
