Maybe forever

Easy friendship

*Amelia*

“What do you think about LA so far?” Cory glances at me, weaving through the relentless traffic on the highway.

I gaze out the window, taking in the sun-soaked view. “I haven’t seen much yet, but so far, I love it here.”

“Just tell me if you need a guide. I’ve lived here forever, so I know most places… known and unknown.” He shoots me a sweet smile that warms me from the inside out.

I can’t help but feel a flicker of happiness at how effortlessly we slide back into what seems a friendship after everything that’s happened. I had braced myself for awkwardness, but instead, it feels like we’ve picked up right where we left off, except for the romance part. “That sounds like fun.”

“Who knows? Maybe you’re going to love it so much here that we get to keep you.” He exits the freeway, and I can see the beach up ahead.

My stomach does a backflip at his words, and I scold myself for the flutter. He didn’t mean it like that. “Well, now we have to see how everything goes.”

“I’m sure you’re going to be a star, darling. You have an amazing voice.” He pulls up next to a charming little café and stops the car.

When he opens my door, I can’t help but smile. He really is an impeccable gentleman. “Thank you, Cory, but unfortunately, you need more than that to be a star here.”

He takes my hand, and it feels so natural, so right, that I just follow him into the café without overthinking it.

We settle at a table on the deck, literally right on the beach, and he pulls out the chair for me.

“What have you been doing for the last six months? Been busy with concerts, recordings, and so on?” Cory asks, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest.

I nod, accepting the menu from the waitress. “Yeah, I’ve almost not had time for anything else. I’ve barely seen Linda or my parents.”

“It can be stressful sometimes, but mostly it’s worth it in the end.” He catches my eyes over the menu, and I can see he understands.

“Yeah, you know it’s hard work, especially in the beginning, but it’s so amazing when I’m up on that stage, or when I see how I just made someone’s week better by talking to them.” I can feel the passion in my voice, the thrill of performing.

“And what about the more mature fans? Bet you can’t go anywhere without men throwing themselves at your feet. Have you met anyone special?” He keeps his eyes on the menu, but I can sense his curiosity.

I bite my lip, shaking my head slightly. “No, I haven’t met anyone. It wouldn’t be easy. It’s like people don’t see me anymore; they just see what they want to see… who they think I am.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. They’re missing out on a great person, but I kind of get what you mean.” He looks up at me, and that sweet little smile makes my heart skip.

I set the menu down, feeling a wave of honesty wash over me. “I thought I understood back then why you didn’t tell me who you are, but I don’t think I really understood until now. It must have been such a relief that I didn’t know you.”

Just then, the waitress arrives to take our order, and I seize the moment to change the subject. “How is Joel?”

“He’s great! He just came home from filming in Canada and has gotten himself a girlfriend.” He takes a sip from the beer the waitress brought him.

I smile, genuinely happy for him. “I’m glad to hear that. I hope he found himself a really sweet woman… he deserves that. Tell him hello from me.”

“She’s really great, and I will, but I think you’ll get a chance to do it yourself while you’re here.” He grins, and I can’t help but feel the warmth of possibility blooming between us.

I can't help but ask, telling myself it’s what I’m supposed to do. “What about you? Have you met any nice women?”

“Yeah, plenty. But if you’re asking if I’m seeing anyone, then no. I’ve been waiting for the right one to show up.” His tone has a teasing quality that makes me smile.

But something about the way he says that makes my stomach cramp up, and my cheeks heat. I’m relieved when the waitress arrives with our food, breaking the tension that suddenly fills the air.

As we eat in silence, I catch myself noticing a change in him. The nervous energy that usually buzzed around him seems to have settled; he appears much more comfortable with himself.

“I hope this isn’t too personal, but what happened to you? You just seem to have found some kind of inner peace,” I ask, my curiosity piqued, hoping it’s not wrong to dig deeper.

His eyes lock onto mine, warm and inviting like melted chocolate swirled with green. “I’ve been taking some time to read into my own heart, finding out what I truly want and what God’s plan for me is.”

“And what did you find out?” I lean in, intrigued by his openness, surprised by how candidly he shares.

He smiles, a warm and comforting expression that makes my heart flutter. “That, I keep to myself just a bit longer.”

We talk for almost two hours, the conversation flowing easily, until he glances at his watch. “We better get going. I have a date tonight.”

“A romantic date?” The question slips out before I can stop myself. It’s none of my business, but I can’t help the way I feel.

He smiles a small smile that I can’t quite read. “No, don’t worry. Just business… probably boring.”

I feel myself blush, hurrying out to the car, hoping he doesn’t misunderstand my curiosity.

“Thank you for going with me. It was really nice,” he says, stopping in front of my apartment, looking at me with that familiar warmth.

I nod and smile back at him. “Yes, it was. Thank you for lunch. I’m so happy we can be friends.”

“I was thinking you might like to come by the studio tomorrow and check out the filming. You know, to get a feel for the show.” He runs his hand through his hair, messing it up in that endearing way I’ve always found charming.

He comes around to open my door, and I can’t help but feel a thrill at his gesture. “I would love to! I’ve never seen how a film set works, so that sounds exciting.”

“Great! Just come by around 10 AM. We should be ready to start shooting by then.” He leans in and kisses my cheek softly, sending a rush of warmth through me.

As he closes my door and heads back to the driver’s side, I wave at him, feeling the lingering warmth of his kiss. I watch him drive away, my heart racing with anticipation for what tomorrow holds.